Los Angeles Times Quotes Christopher Spicer on Netflix’s Lack of Ratings Transparency

The Los Angeles Times has quoted Akin Gump entertainment practice head Christopher Spicer in the article “Netflix plays peekaboo with its ratings. Hollywood isn’t amused.” The article looks at claims that Netflix has not been completely forthright about its viewership data.

Talent agencies and other studios, the article reports, feel that Netflix’s lack of transparency gives it an unfair competitive advantage. Without any advertisers who would normally demand this information, however, the company, as the article notes, has little motivation to make any changes. It has also given no indication that will move in the direction of taking advertisements.

For his part, Spicer doesn’t think Netflix will become more open about its ratings, either. “Short term, I don't think so,” he said. “Long term, if reporting becomes systemic among other streaming providers, then potentially it will.”