Global streaming giants didn’t mince their words on Thursday when they reacted to a call from a U.K. parliamentary committee for a levy of 5 percent of U.K. subscriber revenue on foreign streaming services, including the likes of Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV+ and Disney+, to help finance British drama production.
In a statement, Netflix highlighted that the U.K. is the streamer’s “biggest production hub outside of North America – and we want it to stay that way.” It added a thinly veiled warning that levies or taxes would lead to price increases: “In an increasingly competitive global market, it’s key to create a business environment that incentivizes rather than penalizes investment, risk taking and success. Levies diminish competitiveness and penalize audiences who ultimately bear the increased costs.”
