This doesn’t compute. Firstly, multiple companies cannot simultaneously have monopoly power of the same resource. Secondly, there is by just one company who controls the majority or all content. In fact, having to subscribe to multiple services proves that there are multiple companies who provide tv shows and movies.
Sure they can; it's called a cartel when that happens.
The major content publishers have acted in concert to kneecap Netflix; pulling licensed content, no longer licensing popular new content, etc.
The current state of things is confusing, expensive, and user hostile.
I was trying to figure out how to watch Rick & Morty S6 the other night. It'll be on Hulu, but not for months. It'll be on HBO Max, too, but it's only downloadable for offline viewing on Hulu. Wanna watch it now? Need a cable subscription, even though Adult Swim's website says "now available on HBO Max".
I like the idea of any streaming service being able to license any show, if they can pay the fee. Another comment mentioned the Paramount Decree as a similar example.
You're arguing there is TOO MUCH competition not too little and that a centralizing force needs to help improve consumer experience. Fair, but not your original point.
Production companies shouldn't be able to own streaming platforms, and streaming platforms shouldn't be able to become production companies.
What if the platforms competed on offering a better user experience or other affordances or price?
If there were some way to break the normalization of exclusive distribution, that would tilt things back in favor of the consumer, but I won't hold my breath for the legislation.
monopoly power of the same resource