Not again?! Netflix is increasing its prices – and nobody can figure out why

Luca Fontana

5-10-2023

Translation: Katherine Martin

Netflix customers haven’t yet been squeezed for all they’re worth. Or so the company’s head honchos think. Subscription prices are set to be increased in the coming months – a move that’s incredibly hard to justify.

Basically, there’s no good reason for Netflix to raise prices again. Even so, I already know how Netflix will justify the increases. Rising production costs, the need to invest in new content – the usual mumbo jumbo. The streaming giant might even have the audacity to blame Hollywood strikers. In fact, scratch that – I bet they will. The thing is, this excuse just doesn’t fly.

Could the Hollywood strikes really be to blame?

Until recently, two of Hollywood’s three main unions were on strike: the Writers Guild and the Actors Guild. Last week, the writers’ strike came to an end. Amongst the concessions won was a new, improved and above all well-deserved pay packet. More specifically:

• An increase in the minimum amount previously paid for high-budget films.
• A share in the annual revenue of streaming services.

A price increase no one understands

In any case, it’s rumoured that the company will wait for the actors’ strike to end before putting up its prices. After all, it’s hard to justify price hikes at a time when strikes are resulting in less content instead of more.

So why bump up fees yet again? Your guess is as good as mine.

Luca Fontana

Senior Editor

Luca.Fontana@digitecgalaxus.ch

I write about technology as if it were cinema, and about films as if they were real life. Between bits and blockbusters, I’m after stories that move people, not just generate clicks. And yes – sometimes I listen to film scores louder than I probably should.

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Opinion

This is a subjective opinion of the editorial team. It doesn't necessarily reflect the position of the company.

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