Jeff Cole Discusses Streaming’s Effect on the Future of Entertainment

As part of its 3rd Annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit on Feb. 19, SAG-AFTRA hosted a conversation between SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White and Jeff Cole, director of the University of California’s Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Center for the Digital Future. During the conversation, Streaming & the Changing Business Model, Cole shared his thoughts on the proliferation of streaming platforms and digital content in entertainment, and the impact they and the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the future of workers in the entertainment industry. 

“What’s good for the consumer is not always good for the working person. There are more opportunities [for work], but not at the same level, so the impact on SAG-AFTRA members … remains to be seen,” said Cole. “I’m more concerned about the immediate effect on people behind the camera, and I worry if [those workers will] have long-term jobs in the future.” 

To hear the full interview, scroll below. Click below to watch other events from the summit: 

• Welcome & Introduction by SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris
• Straight to Streaming: Pandemic Strategy or New Normal?  
• Volumetric Video & the Future of Entertainment   
• Deepfakes Update 
• From Gaming to Dubbing: What’s Hot in VO   
• 10 Game Changers from CES
• Realigning Technology & Humanity  
• Centering Unions in the Future of Work 
• Innovation & the Pandemic: What’s Next for Essential Workers? 
• Big Data, Surveillance & Discrimination
• Covering Content Innovators: SAG-AFTRA’s New Influencer Agreement -  

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.