If you’ve ever been jolted awake by a streaming commercial blasting louder than your show, California just made sure that won’t happen again. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 576 into law, forcing streaming platforms to keep commercial volumes consistent with the content they accompany.
Under the new rule, streaming services such as Hulu, YouTube, and Peacock must comply with the same standards already imposed on television networks and cable providers through the federal Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act of 2010. That means no more eardrum-shattering ads in the middle of your favorite series.
“We heard Californians loud and clear,” said Newsom. “People just want to enjoy their shows without being startled by an obnoxious commercial.”
State Senator Thomas Umberg, who co-authored the bill, said the idea came from frustrated parents who’d finally gotten their babies to sleep, only for a booming streaming ad to ruin the peace.
The legislation passed without opposition, highlighting how universally annoying this issue has become. With more streaming services relying on ads to boost profits, California’s new law aims to keep the growing digital media landscape balanced and comfortable for viewers.
