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A petition on Change.org begged streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon, to stop charging their customers during the coronavirus pandemic. As of April 22, the petition had already garnered over 41,000 signatures.
Due to the shelter-in-place/shelter-at-home orders and strained economic circumstances, the petition argues that the streaming giants should drop their monthly charges. This way, Americans can remain occupied while isolating without worrying about the added stress of membership fees.
"During a worldwide viral pandemic, social distancing and personal quarantine is vitally important to stem the risk of spreading disease," the petition, created by Philip Kolas, read. "Many people are turning to their streaming services to alleviate their monotony. The problem with this is that many people cannot afford these membership fees, especially in a time like now when many people's economic livelihood is already strained."
It continued, "Therefore, this petition asks that all worldwide streaming services enact a temporary 60 day stoppage of membership charges, as well as per-movie rental fees. If people can watch as much as they want, whenever they want, this will help alleviate the stress of home isolation, as well as encourage people to stay home."
Self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic appeared to affect streaming service's membership numbers. Earlier this week, Netflix reported that they added 16 million new subscribers during the first three months of the year. Meanwhile, Disney Plus also fared well. The streaming service had over 50 million subscribers sign up within six months of its launch last November.
The Change.org page also noted "many other media markets have done similar ideas. This is an easily manageable path of assistance for these corporations, one specifically which only they can provide."
Cable network HBO recently made over 500 hours of streaming content free. Viewers won't need a login in order to watch shows such as the bingeable The Sopranos and The Wire, along with documentaries and feature films. Additionally, Showtime and CBS All Access also offered a free month of access.
