Content regulation and investment requirements are still the hot topics around the industry, with streaming platforms expanding into international markets. A senior Netflix executive recently weighed in on the issue, warning against policies that go beyond encouraging investment. The company’s European boss said that the regulators should not tell the platforms what kind of content they should create. 

Netflix believes that encouraging investment is important, but forcing platforms to create specific types of content could come at a cost.

A senior Netflix executive has weighed in on tighter content regulation in Europe, warning that curbs could limit creative freedom. Larry Tanz, Netflix’s Vice President of Content for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, spoke about it at the Enders TMT Leaders Live conference in London. He warned against rules that would dictate not just how much they invest but what they create.

“We’re additive to that local industry. We do not accept the argument that Netflix is simply passing through. We are part of the industry. Let’s not sleepwalk into such a future. The UK has thrived because of many routes to market,” he commented. 

Highlighting the streamer’s investment in the British film and TV industry, Tanz further noted that since 2016, Netflix has filmed in 225-plus cities and towns across the UK. According to him, they are additive to that local industry, not a global power that puts its revenue back into a black box back in the US. He also talked about shows like Adolescence and Baby Reindeer, which he said were hits in Britain and became global phenomena. 

Tanz also urged policymakers not to sleepwalk into regulations that could hurt smaller producers and limit opportunities. He was further concerned about rules that might force streamers to hit production targets or help fund local content. He said that overly broad rules could stifle risk-taking, limit opportunities for emerging creators, and benefit larger media companies. 

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Netflix argues that its global success is closely tied to its ability to invest in local stories and talent around the world. 

Netflix earns revenue from subscribers in more than 200 countries and is therefore highly dependent on international markets. Netflix’s global scale allows it to finance content from across the globe. The company often plows part of its profits back into local film and TV production. 

Netflix also invests in original productions, partners with local creators, and builds up production infrastructure in markets including the UK, South Korea, Spain, and India. Such investments are helping to churn out content that can be appealing both locally and globally. The strategy has also enabled several regional productions to find success with international audiences. 

The streaming platform believes that successful local productions can generate value far beyond their home markets. Shows like Baby Reindeer, Squid Game and Adolescence, which is ready for its Season 2, started as local stories before reaching audiences around the world. The company says this model serves both local industries and Netflix’s global business.

Meanwhile, Larry Tanz noted that regulation should be about enabling investment and innovation, not limiting creative decision-making. Netflix has succeeded by embracing a wide range of local stories and emerging talent in different markets. It is that flexibility that is key to the growth of local industries, and to the continued success of globally popular content. 

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Do you agree with Larry Tanz's stance on content regulation? Let us know in the comments.