Streaming Regulation, Codec Licensing & Media Policy News

Europol's global operation against illegal streaming networks, 'Operation KRATOS 2,' led to 29 arrests and identified 86 suspects, targeting criminal networks profiting from unauthorized content distribution. The crackdown aimed at infrastructure supporting illegal IPTV services and revealed connections to broader criminal activities like money laundering. The operation highlights the risks for consumers using these services, including cybersecurity threats.

California and New York attorneys general are preparing a lawsuit to block Paramount Skydance's proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This state-level intervention raises concerns about media concentration, consumer choice, and potential job losses, setting the stage for a significant legal battle.

Several industry groups, including NCTA and ACA Connects, have warned the Treasury and Commerce Secretaries about an "urgent imbalance" in memory chip supply driven by AI demand. This shortage is projected to increase costs across consumer electronics and telecommunications infrastructure, posing risks to streaming service providers and their customers. The groups recommend supporting faster expansion of U.S. memory chipmaking capacity and leveraging the CHIPS Act for solutions.

South Korea's Broadcasting Media Communications Commission renewed KT Skylife's satellite broadcasting license for 7 years after a review. KT Skylife received 5 renewal conditions, a significant reduction from previous terms. Among the conditions is a requirement to establish a subscriber support plan for converting to the HEVC codec within three months.

The FCC is set to vote on new rules to enhance cybersecurity for the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on September 26. These proposed measures would require broadcasters and cable systems to report cybersecurity incidents and implement annual risk management plans. The commission will also consider improvements for alert accessibility for disabled and non-English speaking individuals.

The 3GPP RAN group has approved several change requests for its Release 6 specifications, specifically refining radio access network functionalities. These updates focus on rules for cell selection, reselection, and measurement, aiming to enhance network performance and efficiency in mobile communications standards.

The 3GPP portal outlines 20 mobile telecommunications releases, from the perpetually developed Release 21 to older, closed versions. Each release is detailed with its status, start dates, end dates, and closure dates, offering essential data for developers and strategists in wireless communications. This ongoing specification work drives global standards for mobile broadband technology, which is foundational to mobile streaming.

A new Rust crate, dvb-bbframe, has been released to parse and build ETSI DVB-S2, S2X, and T2 Base-Band Frames. This tool supports both Normal Mode and High Efficiency Mode, processes BBHEADERs, extracts user packets, and performs CRC-8 validation in alignment with DVB specifications.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has proposed new rules aimed at accelerating broadband expansion by curbing excessive fees and delays for wireline infrastructure projects. The plan includes a 120-day processing limit for state and local governments to handle infrastructure requests. These measures seek to streamline broadband deployment by limiting government-imposed fees and additional requirements that can slow construction.

India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting introduced the TV Ratings Policy 2026, updating 2014 guidelines to include OTT and connected TV measurement alongside traditional broadcasts. The new policy lowers net worth thresholds for rating agencies, mandates stricter governance, closes the 'landing page loophole' for viewership, and significantly expands governmental powers over rating agencies, including suspension and takeover rights. These changes aim to address issues of outdated measurement frameworks, lack of competition, and potential manipulation highlighted during a 2020 controversy.

NCTA, representing major US cable operators like Comcast and Charter, has petitioned the FCC for an expedited waiver on regulations concerning foreign-made consumer broadband routers. This waiver would allow manufacturers to make limited materials and memory alterations to previously certified devices, addressing supply chain shortages and preventing disruptions in broadband availability for customers. The request follows an earlier FCC ban on new foreign-made routers due to national security concerns, which is impacting the timing and availability of advanced devices like DOCSIS 4.0 and Wi-Fi 7 gateways.

News UK supports a proposal for BBC platforms to host third-party content and carry advertising around it. This potential shift in the BBC's distribution strategy could significantly impact content distribution and advertising models for UK publishers and broadcasters. The move may open up new avenues for monetization and content reach on a major public service platform.

The Writers Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) and Directors UK (DUK) are advocating for the inclusion of freelancers on the BBC board. Both organizations also voiced concerns regarding the BBC's recent £500m savings initiative. This initiative and board composition affect the UK's public broadcaster, a major customer in the streaming ecosystem.

This article provides an in-depth explanation of the Advanced Video Coding (AVC/H.264) standard, detailing its profiles, levels, and signaling mechanisms using NAL units. It covers the technical specifics of `profile_idc`, `profile_iop`, and `level_idc` bytes, crucial for interoperability and correct decoding across various H.264 implementations including SVC and MVC extensions.

The Wi-Fi Alliance certified 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E devices for operation in the 6 GHz band, opening new spectrum that is crucial for streaming. This development will lead to improved throughput and reduced latency for bandwidth-intensive applications. It signifies an important step in the evolution of Wi-Fi technology, including future Wi-Fi 7.

SAG-AFTRA members have ratified a new four-year contract with major studios and streaming platforms, which includes specific restrictions on the use of AI in production. This agreement, along with the Writers Guild settlement, aims to establish a new regulatory framework for the entertainment industry, addressing the existential threat of AI to human performance. The contract specifies that synthetic performers or digital captures of actors can only be deployed if they bring "significant additional value" that a live human cannot provide.

SAG-AFTRA members have ratified the 2026 TV/Theatrical Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers by a 91.42% vote. This new contract includes enhanced AI protections to prevent replacement of members' work and facilitates the merger of the SAG-Producers Pension Plan and the AFTRA Retirement Fund. The agreement is effective July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2030, impacting talent relations and production costs in streaming.

The Advanced Television Broadcasting Alliance (ATBA) urges the FCC to reject a petition for standalone 5G Broadcast on LPTV spectrum, warning it risks spectrum reallocation to wireless carriers. ATBA argues that 5G Broadcast should be integrated within the ATSC 3.0 standard rather than authorized as a separate cellular-based transmission option for LPTV stations. This dispute highlights a broader conflict over broadcast spectrum control and the future direction of ATSC 3.0 adoption in the US.

Sinclair Broadcast Group has launched a consumer-facing marketing campaign in Columbus, Ohio, to promote the rollout of NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0). The campaign aims to educate viewers on the enhanced features, including better picture and sound quality and interactive capabilities, and how to access the new broadcast standard. Sinclair has been actively deploying NextGen TV across its local station footprint and is committed to informing viewers about this transition.

South Korea's Broadcast Media Telecommunications Commission is spearheading the development of a 'K-FAST' ecosystem to boost the global distribution of local content and tap into the growing advertising-supported streaming market. The initiative seeks to create new revenue streams for Korean broadcasters and content producers, with support from major hardware vendors like Samsung and LG, along with content and AI tech firms. The Commission also plans to define regulatory frameworks and advertising infrastructure for the nascent K-FAST market.

The North Carolina House has passed a bill that aims to regulate data centers and accelerate the development of nuclear power. This legislative action could potentially affect the infrastructure costs and availability for streaming companies that currently operate or plan to build data centers in the state.

The No Fakes Act, legislation targeting AI deepfakes, has been reintroduced in the US Congress with new revisions and bipartisan support. The updated bill, which includes a counter-notice procedure and exemptions for certain works, aims to regulate generative AI in video content. Companies including Getty Images, Spotify, Google, IBM, OpenAI, Amazon, and YouTube have pledged their support for the Act.

The Motion Picture Association (MPA), representing major US studios like Netflix and Disney, has advised the UK government against involving streaming services in the collection of the BBC TV license fee. This stance, communicated during a review of the BBC's Royal Charter, highlights industry resistance to new responsibilities that could increase operational costs and impact viewer experience. The MPA also opposed a streaming revenue levy and a subscription model for the BBC, while advocating for continued co-production opportunities.

EchoStar, a satellite company, avoided bankruptcy by selling wireless spectrum to SpaceX for $17 billion, including an $11.1 billion equity stake in SpaceX. This deal, driven in part by FCC review and presidential intervention, led to a 430% stock increase for EchoStar, positioning it as a public market proxy for SpaceX's upcoming IPO. The article highlights the strategic implications of spectrum allocation and satellite-based 5G connectivity for the market.

A taskforce backed by UK public service broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, recommends against extending Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) beyond 2034 due to its increasing cost inefficiency compared to internet protocol television (IPTV). They argue that transitioning to IPTV would offer a better and more affordable viewer experience, ensuring universal access and allowing broadcasters to invest more in content. The taskforce acknowledges concerns about broadband access but suggests addressing this as a wider societal issue.

The FCC is initiating a significant overhaul of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) through a Report and Order and a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. These updates aim to enhance cybersecurity, streamline alert distribution for authorities, and reduce regulatory burdens for participating communications providers. The goal is to modernize these systems for future technologies like 5G and improve targeted alert dissemination to boost public safety.

FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty warned that AI tools are lowering the barrier for infrastructure attacks, despite no widespread confirmed misuse. In response, over 23 US states have introduced legislation in 2026, with 13 already passing new laws to protect critical communications infrastructure. The industry has also formed the STRIKE coalition to address these threats.

Dish and Sling have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against sports streaming platform DAZN in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint alleges that DAZN infringes on five adaptive bitrate streaming patents acquired by Dish's parent company, EchoStar, from Move Networks. These patents have previously been successfully defended by Dish against other companies.

Gray Media's EVP/CFO Jeff Gignac stated their Phoenix Suns broadcast and streaming deal is attracting interest from other sports teams, highlighting the success of their distribution strategy. Concurrently, an attorney questioned the FCC's authority over the NFL amid scrutiny of the live sports ecosystem, sparking discussion on broadcast rights and consumer access. A TVB executive cited survey data reinforcing the importance of local broadcast stations for sports viewing and viewer loyalty to pay TV providers.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) launched a TV spot advocating for broadcast TV as the primary platform for sports, urging public comments to lawmakers. This campaign follows an FCC evaluation of streaming's impact on live sports fragmentation. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) counters that streaming expands access and choice, citing examples like the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

Scripps Local Media has pulled 54 local broadcast stations, including 17 ABC affiliates, from DIRECTV due to a retransmission dispute. This blackout impacts DIRECTV customers in several key U.S. markets who wish to watch NBA Finals Game 1, forcing them to seek alternative vMVPDs like Fubo through free trials.

The annual ATSC NextGen Broadcast Conference highlighted the stalled transition of ATSC 3.0 despite 18.5 million NextGen TV sets sold. Regulatory policy, particularly the FCC’s "substantially similar" rule, and the lack of a date certain for 1.0 broadcasts to cease continue to be significant barriers to broader adoption. Broadcasters are advancing NextGen TV programming enhancements, including 1080p HDR and Dolby Atmos audio, and launching promotional campaigns to encourage 3.0 adoption.

At its 154th meeting, MPEG advanced multiple standards including AVC 12th edition, AES-256 encryption for ISOBMFF, and the AAC Immersive Interchange Format (IIF), alongside new developments in AI-based media coding and 3D graphics. These updates enhance capabilities in video coding, content protection, immersive audio, and AI applications for streaming media. The meeting also featured demonstrations highlighting the readiness of MPEG-I immersive audio technology for deployment across various devices.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is advancing proposals to accelerate the deployment of submarine cables and simplify licensing processes for fixed broadband infrastructure at the state level. These changes are intended to expedite internet infrastructure builds, including wireline service rollouts. The FCC's actions follow an inquiry into whether existing regimes were overly impeding wireline service expansion.

Ofcom has published its third annual update on AI regulation, outlining its outcomes-based approach and detailing findings on AI use, benefits, and barriers in the media sector. The report highlights challenges like copyright uncertainty and risks from synthetic media for audiences, while also recognizing efficiency gains and creative opportunities. Ofcom is building an evidence base to establish best practices and potentially create standards for AI adoption.

Netflix VP Larry Tanz expressed concerns about proposed "one-size-fits-all regulation" in the UK, particularly regarding AI and local investment mandates for streaming services. He warned that such regulations could stifle risk-taking in content creation and consolidate opportunities for larger media groups. Tanz affirmed Netflix's commitment to British production, highlighting its contributions to the local industry and cautious approach to AI, emphasizing copyright protection, consent for digital replicas, and the importance of human creativity.

China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) has mandated China Video Big Data (CVB) as the official standard for TV and digital media ratings, unifying audience measurement across various platforms. This reform aims to modernize the country's broadcasting evaluation system and establish a comprehensive, scientifically-based framework. CVB collects viewing data from nearly 500 million users and is approved by China's National Bureau of Statistics for large-scale data analysis.

techUK has urged the BBC to offer its services on third-party platforms under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms as the UK transitions from broadcast DTT to IPTV. This recommendation was made within the context of the BBC's Charter review and an inquiry into its future, highlighting the need for the BBC to embrace greater flexibility in content distribution beyond its own platforms like Freely and iPlayer.

South Korean OTT platform TVing reported a personal information leakage from its user database, prompting investigations by the Personal Information Protection Committee and the Ministry of Science and ICT. The leaked information included IDs, names, dates of birth, mobile numbers, emails, and passwords, leading to concerns about secondary cyber fraud like smishing and phishing.

IAMT, formerly IABM, has rebranded to better connect, support, and inform innovators, service providers, and buyers across broadcast, streaming, and emerging media sectors. The organization aims to provide market access, intelligence, and influence in the evolving MediaTech ecosystem. It focuses on delivering actionable business insights and facilitating connections for its members.

Nexfibre CEO Rajiv Datta warns that Openreach's market dominance threatens the UK fiber market and advocates for Nexfibre's proposed £2 billion takeover of Netomnia to foster competition. The deal aims to create a scaled wholesale player covering 5.8 million premises, expanding to 8 million by the end of next year, but faces opposition and a potential CMA review.

Sky CEO Dana Strong advocates for increased collaboration among UK domestic media groups. She urges UK regulators and the government to support these partnerships. This collaboration is seen as essential for competing with larger global streaming entities.

President Trump signed an executive order requiring federal testing of powerful AI systems before their public release. This initiative relies on voluntary collaboration from major AI companies such as Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google. The order aims to lay the foundation for regulatory oversight on advanced AI models.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed a new conduct requirement on Google Search, mandating an AI opt-out for publishers and clear content attribution in AI-generated search results. This move aims to provide publishers with stronger bargaining power over content usage in Google's AI features, such as AI Overviews. Google is also required to allow publishers to opt-out of their content being used for fine-tuning AI models.

The FCC has launched the AWS-3 spectrum auction, the first in four years, offering 200 5G-grade licenses covering 100 million consumers. This action aims to enhance spectrum availability for 5G and 6G technologies and promote competition in wireless services. Equity analysts are monitoring bidding rounds, noting early demand from major carriers.

Sir Ian Cheshire has been confirmed as the new Chair of Ofcom, the UK media regulator, following Lord Michael Grade's term. Cheshire will focus on implementing the Online Safety Act and regulating telecoms and broadcasting, aiming to ensure effective action against online harms.

Ofcom will review an investigation into Channel 4's show "MAFS" and consider potential action against the broadcaster. This follows a regulatory request for an advance copy of the findings, highlighting intensified scrutiny on broadcasters regarding content and compliance.

Raymond Yeung, head of content standards at Amazon MGM Studios Technology, has been named SMPTE Standards Vice President for 2025. In this role, Yeung will focus on media supply chain advancements and standards development.