Hypothetical: Digital Media Preservation Act.
If the owner of a streaming platform decides to remove their original shows or movies (like WB did to HBO or Paramount+ just did), they are required to be “purchased” by the DMPA division at a set price per episode and freely available to the public.
Streaming platforms would be forced to actually decide if any given series is costing them more than the cost of giving it up to DMP. Rather than locking it away and “freezing” it.
What are some possible drawbacks or benefits for this idea?
I’m all for it, but someone has to pay to purchase and host the “preserved” content. In other words, your taxes. And if the government is running the program, you know it will be terrible. They’re always 10-15 years behind on any technology.
One reason why companies pull shows and movies is to avoid paying residuals to the talented people who do all the work creating the content. This is the real crime, in my opinion. There should be penalties for this behavior.
I like it. I’d also like to see someone like PBS film and preserve broadway plays and musicals in a similar manner.