Hollywood believes the Internet is the key to its future. But its constituents are again squabbling over how to get there.
As in the recent television writers strike, the major studios are at odds with some members of the creative community over digital distribution. This time it's about a public policy issue known as network neutrality.
Some lawmakers, public interest advocates and big technology companies are pushing for federal rules that would prevent Internet service providers from blocking or slowing certain content flowing through their high-speed lines. They worry that cable and phone companies could become gatekeepers of the Internet and impede services that threaten their businesses.
Net neutrality is a complicated issue with a wonky name. But as Congress and the Federal Communications Commission consider banning discriminatory practices on the Internet, the entertainment industry is starting to take notice -- and sides.
Major movie studios and record labels are concerned that net neutrality could eliminate a potential tool for fighting online piracy. Meanwhile, independent artists want to ensure that they can disseminate their work freely.
The net neutrality supporters' cause has been boosted in recent months by allegations that Comcast Corp. stopped some of its Internet customers from using BitTorrent, a popular program for downloading videos.
Hollywood's involvement could elevate the largely inside-the-Beltway debate, which has smoldered since 2006 among online activists, public interest groups, technology companies and telecommunications giants.
How lawmakers and regulators deal with the issue could have major implications for Hollywood's battle against piracy and the burgeoning movement by writers, actors and directors to bypass large media companies by distributing their work online.
"Two years or so ago, people in our industry were still looking at the Internet and saying it's not ready," said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film and Television Alliance. "Now, every day you see new services are being launched. So I think the issue has intersected with the marketplace reality."
The Motion Picture Assn. of America, which represents the major movie studios, forcefully opposes proposed new rules. In its view, cable and phone companies need the flexibility to stop people from spreading illegal copies of movies over the Internet.
