ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Congressman Josh Riley wants to crack down on “bait-and-switch” tactics used by streaming services.
On Oct. 14, Riley introduced the Ad-Free Means Ad-Free Act aimed at streamers that promise commercial-free viewing and then change the rules.
Multiple digital streaming platforms have added commercials after building large user bases on promises of ad-free viewing, often adding premium ad-free upgrades for an extra cost. Most recently, NFL RedZone announced that it would begin broadcasting advertisements for the first time in its 17-year history.
“If you pay for ad-free, you should get ad-free,” said Riley. “It’s that simple. For years, football fans were promised seven hours of commercial-free football. Now the big streaming companies are moving the goalposts to squeeze even more money out of hardworking people. Upstate New Yorkers are sick and tired of getting ripped off. My bill makes these companies honor their promises and gives fans what they paid for.”
If passed, it would prohibit streamers from airing commercials on paid subscriptions originally offered as ad-free for at least a year, or for the length of the original contract.
You can read the full text of the legislation here.
