Independent Streaming Alliance to Support Representation in Media
The Independent Streaming Alliance (ISA) is a trade association representing independent streaming services. The ISA was founded this month by a group of 10 companies, including Allen Media Group, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Cineverse, Future Today, kweliTV, Revry, Scripps, Tastemade, TMB (Trusted Media Brands), and Vevo.
The ISA's mission is to "promote the value of independent streamers, and to work hand-in-hand with platforms, advertisers and regulatory bodies to ensure that we have a healthy ecosystem that benefits everyone, not just the few."
The ISA has three working groups: measurement, distribution, and demand:
The measurement working group is working to develop standards for measuring the reach and impact of independent streaming services.
The distribution working group is working to improve the distribution of independent streaming content to consumers.
The demand working group is working to increase demand for independent streaming content from advertisers.
In addition to its working groups, the ISA is also committed to promoting representation in media. Through founding the ISA with LGBTQ and minority-owned businesses such as Allen Media Group, Future Today, kweliTV, and Revry, the ISA realizes its unique opportunity to showcase diverse voices and stories.
Allen Media Group, founded by Byron Allen, is an independent media company that owns and operates a portfolio of brands and businesses across streaming, television, radio, and publishing. One of its streaming services, TheGrio, is a leading destination for Black news, culture, and entertainment. Future Today creates and distributes original content for kids, families, and millennials. HappyKidsTV, one of its leading media brands, is a safe streaming platform for kids. kweliTV showcases Black stories and experiences from all walks of life. The Matumbila’s, is an original animated series about a Tanzanian family living in middle-class America. Revry celebrates LGBTQ+ culture, and is committed to providing a platform for LGBTQ+ voices and stories. Revry's original series, "Drag Latina," a drag competition featuring Hispanic and Latina performers in a dual English/Spanish format, was a first season hit and season two will be going into production soon.
Working with streamers like these, the ISA has the opportunity to advocate that independent streamers are able to offer more diverse programming than the major networks and distributors, helping move the entire industry forward. By creating a more equitable playing field with platforms and advertisers, independent streaming services can have the same opportunities they need reach all audiences and to succeed.
