Reevaluate how much you spend on streaming services and the rewarding aspect of tangible media
By AALIYAH ESPAÑOL-RIVAS — arts@theaggie.org
Streaming services have revolutionized the way humans consume media. “Streaming” is the ability to access media content on the internet without having to download the file. The concept was popularized by Netflix in 2007, following the company’s shift from Digital Versatile Discs (DVD) rentals to on-demand video streaming. Since its introduction, Netflix has not only grown as the largest streaming platform, with 296.6 million subscribers across the globe, but has made streaming the societal norm for consuming media.
While streaming platforms continue to multiply in number and size, each platform’s catalog of content becomes increasingly important. The uniqueness of each platform’s catalog is what can increase or decrease subscribers, making the acquisition of popular and new content a priority. Prior to 2022, the hit television show, “The Office,” could be streamed on Netflix, as NBC and Netflix had a licensing deal. But, with the launch of NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, NBC ended their deal with Netflix and now is the sole distributor of the show.
As the “streaming wars” between platforms continue through the acquisition of content,
media is now diverged across platforms. As a result, consumers are not only paying more through increasing subscription prices as platforms attempt to make up for lost revenue, but they are also paying for additional platforms for their favorite shows and movies.
However, as consumers give more money to streaming services, it gives platforms even more power. This power has led to the concept of “rotating” content, allowing companies to diversify their catalog on a month-to-month basis through the removal and addition of new content. But this concept can contradict a user’s interest in subscribing, giving companies the power to remove content to their own discretion, regardless of user consumption.
On Oct. 3, 2024, HBO’s streaming service, MAX, removed numerous popular animated shows created by Cartoon Network. These shows included “The Powerpuff Girls,” “We Bare Bears” and “Regular Show.” MAX, owned by the Warner Brothers, advertised their catalog of animated shows by Cartoon Network in their initial launch yet has removed numerous titles without reason or notice to subscribers.
Additionally, in 2023, Disney+ and Hulu removed dozens of original content from their platforms due to underperformance. While not every show or movie is guaranteed to be a hit, the creators and crew lose the benefit of financial compensation when their creations are removed from streaming services.
Subscribers pay high prices for these platforms, with Netflix’s cheapest ad-free subscription plan being $15.49 a month. Yet, the media paid for through subscriptions doesn’t guarantee its accessibility and permanence. After all, everyone has experienced their favorite movie being removed from a streaming service, moved to another platform or, even worse — becoming completely inaccessible.
While it may be impossible to unsubscribe from every streaming platform, consumers have other options, like physical media. Specifically, purchasing and renting DVDs.
DVDs became popular in the early 2000s following the decline in Video Home System (VHS) tapes. Originally costing anywhere from $20 to $25, DVDs can now be found on websites such as Amazon and eBay for less than $10.
In Davis, there are two DVD stores: Armadillo Music, located on F Street, has an upstairs floor with a DVD section, with prices ranging from $3 to $5 per DVD; Bizarro World, located on E Street, has “Four Star Movie Rental,” Davis’ only video rental service. Patrons can rent DVDs for $2.50 for three days. The store carries over 10,000 titles, including new releases and sets of entire TV series.
Instead of jumping from platform to platform, resubscribing and unsubscribing, consider owning your favorite movies and TV shows. By owning and selectively choosing the media you consume, power is placed in the hands of consumers instead of streaming services. Owning your media means it cannot be rotated out, kept in a vault or leave you with content you’re not interested in.
Written by: Aaliyah Español-Rivas — arts@theaggie.org
