Massive Tech Companies, such as Apple, Amassing Symbolic Icons of Culture: Potential Catastrophe
Rewritten Article:
A traditional holiday vibe might be missing for Peanuts enthusiasts this year as they search for the ever-popular Charlie Brown specials on regular TV networks, a tradition that's been going strong for decades. Instead, Peanuts is now exclusive to Apple's streaming service, a move that's sparked a Change.org petition begging for a return to broadcast TV.
It's not the first time a streaming platform has nabbed a beloved franchise to beef up subscription numbers, but it does leave us questioning the repercussions of exclusivity rights on iconic cultural artifacts.
Last week, Apple struck a deal with WildBrain, Peanuts Worldwide, and Lee Mendelson Film Productions to bring more Peanuts content to Apple TV+, a move Apple hopes will bolster their original content and a series of acquisitions. This deal includes "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."
The news has ignited a Change.org petition pleading for the Peanuts series to return to television. This petition, aiming to "bring back the tradition" and make Peanuts available on TV, has racked up nearly 200,000 signatures.
An Apple TV+ subscription will set you back $5 a month, unless you snag a promotional offer. Apple plans to offer the aforementioned three specials for free during three-day windows around their respective holidays, but you'll still need the Apple TV app to watch them. Apple hasn't responded to a request for comment about the terms of exclusivity for the Charlie Brown specials, though a source quoted by Vulture claims they won't air on ABC like they have for the past two decades.
This move reminds us of HBO grabbing hold of another cherished family franchise, Sesame Street. Now, Sesame Street premieres first on HBO Max, even though episodes still air on PBS. Access to HBO Max is largely determined by the tech you've got and your willingness to subscribe to a specific streaming service.
As streaming platforms fiercely compete for our cash and attention, we'll probably see more monoliths hoarding legacy franchises. However, most people can't and won't subscribe to everything, making exclusivity a blow to accessibility for beloved characters and stories. That's a bummer.
Insights:The shift towards streaming exclusivity poses impacts on both content creators and consumers. Content creators face challenges in negotiating fair revenue, limited distribution, and regulatory complications. Consumers, on the other hand, may experience reduced accessibility, decreased diversity, and cultural shifts. The media landscape is fragmenting due to this shift, potentially leading to regulatory changes. Consumer preferences are also evolving as streaming services cater to on-demand content, but this shift poses challenges like subscription fatigue and the need for reliable internet access.
- The upcoming holiday season may see a change in the availability of beloved Peanuts specials, as they are now exclusively on Apple's streaming service, Apple TV+.
- This exclusivity has led to a Change.org petition, demanding a return of the Peanuts series to television, which has gathered nearly 200,000 signatures.
- As streaming platforms like Apple TV+ and HBO Max compete for content and subscribers, we are seeing more instances of legacy franchises being hoarded, posing challenges for accessibility for many viewers.
- The future of media consumption is likely to be heavily impacted by this trend towards streaming exclusivity, potentially leading to regulatory changes, subscription fatigue, and the need for reliable internet access for consumers.
