Tubi, Crunchyroll, Roku, and several other specialty streaming platforms have joined forces to create Beyond Mainstream: A Global Streaming Alliance. This new coalition, which includes 15 niche and regional streaming services, aims to represent their interests in global policy discussions as governments consider new regulations for streaming platforms.

The alliance brings together services with audiences in nearly every country, including AMC Networks brands like Acorn TV, ALLBLK, HIDIVE, Shudder, and Sundance Now, as well as NDM+, OUTtv, Pure Flix, Rakuten Viki, The Roku Channel, SonyLiv, Sony One, and Zee5. While some members, such as Tubi with over 100 million monthly active users and Crunchyroll with more than 17 million paid subscribers, are large in scale, all focus on specialized or regional content.

The coalition was formed in response to concerns that new regulations, often designed for major global platforms like Netflix and Prime Video, could unfairly impact smaller or niche services. These rules may include requirements for local content investment, content quotas, or discoverability standards that do not account for the unique business models and audiences of specialty streamers.

Recent policy changes in countries such as France, Norway, and Australia have introduced or proposed obligations for streaming services to invest in local content or meet specific content thresholds. For example:

• France requires global streamers to invest at least 20% of their local revenue in French film and TV production, resulting in about $1.02 billion invested between 2021 and 2023.
• Norway has adopted similar rules, with some exceptions for smaller services or those not offering certain types of programming.
• Australia plans to require platforms with over 1 million local subscribers to produce Australian content in various genres.

Members of the Beyond Mainstream alliance argue that regulations designed for large, general entertainment platforms may not suit specialized services, which often focus on specific genres or regional audiences. They emphasize the cultural value and diversity these platforms bring to the global streaming landscape.

Leaders from the coalition, including Dawn Botti of AMC Networks, Nijel de Mesa of NDM+, and Brad Danks of OUTtv Media Global, have highlighted the importance of working together to ensure fair access, visibility, and a sustainable future for diverse streaming content worldwide.

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