California bill would curb loud streaming ads nationwide
California Sen. Tom Umberg’s SB 576 would extend federal-style commercial loudness limits to streaming services, barring ads that play substantially louder than the program audio. The measure unanimously passed the state Senate, cleared an Assembly committee, and now sits on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk; if he signs it the rule would take effect July 1, 2026, with the Motion Picture Association arguing the mandate could harm small streaming services.
Government/Regulatory
Entertainment
📰 Sources (1)
California bill sparked by waking baby could silence streaming ads nationwide
New information:
- SB 576, authored by Sen. Tom Umberg, would apply commercial loudness restrictions to streaming platforms that are currently outside the federal CALM Act.
- Legislative status: unanimously passed the California Senate, cleared an Assembly committee, and is now on Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk; effective date upon signature would be July 1, 2026.
- Industry and political context: the Motion Picture Association opposes the bill citing burden on smaller streamers; the article also notes a recent $2 million donation by Netflix co‑founder Reed Hastings to a Newsom ballot campaign.