The main issue affecting the online video markets that has been addressed by both campaigns for President is Net Neutrality.  The question is whether regulation in necessary to protect consumers from providers who want to limit access based on usage, spending, and other factors at their discretion.

It’s clear that at least some freedom must exist for online film markets to thrive- as Dave Zatz points out, even a non-P2P user easily surpasses the basic plans Time Warner offers in his market (40GB/month).  The question is, won’t other providers emerge that offer more reasonable plans and thus be more successful in the marketplace (i.e. simple free market economics?)

One problem with this approach may be that the challenge of entering the marketplace may be very high, so it would not be a simple matter of offering broadband itself at a better price- when Time Warner offers also cable services which are not available to other companies, or when the infrastructure of offering broadband is still limited to pipes owned by TW (or to DSL).

Obama has pledged to support Net Neutrality legislation.  McCain opposes regulations.  As far as I can tell, neither candidate has really addressed the pitfalls of their positions- nor is this enough of a hot-button issue to get Campbell Brown to take on their lackeys and find out.

Some links of interest:

Obama on MTV talking Net Neutrality

Discussion of Net Neutrality from Radio 4

Article from Wired about Net Neutrality and internet TV

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