TECHNOLOGY: Forcing people to pay again for what they originally had

https://cordcuttersnews.com/bad-news-for-babylon-5-fans/

Bad News For Babylon 5 Fans
By Luke Bouma on April 11, 2026

*** begin quote ***

Fans of the groundbreaking science fiction television series Babylon 5 received disappointing news recently as the show disappeared from major free streaming platforms in the United States. Amazon’s MGM, which holds distribution rights, has pulled the series from ad-supported services including The Roku Channel and Tubi. Viewers who once enjoyed legal access to all five seasons without a subscription or purchase now find themselves without that option. The move forces enthusiasts to either buy digital episodes, invest in physical media, or seek out paid subscription services where the show might be available.

*** and ***

The removal from free platforms highlights the challenges in preserving access to older catalog titles. While physical Blu-ray releases offer high-quality remastered versions for collectors, and digital purchase options exist on various storefronts, the lack of free availability may deter younger viewers or those on tight budgets. Industry observers note that such decisions often stem from efforts to maximize revenue through exclusive deals or bundled content libraries. Amazon’s MGM appears to be repositioning the property, possibly in preparation for new distribution strategies or integration with other services.

For dedicated fans, the situation underscores the importance of owning physical copies or supporting official releases.

*** end quote ***

I’ve often ranted about technology shifts that force people to pay again for what they originally had.  This is just another instance of that same gripe.

I used to have an extensive collection of self-help cassette tapes.  When the “Big Publishers” shifted to compact disks they expected me to re-buy all that content.  Not only couldn’t I afford it at the time but I refused to do it. Argh!

I wonder where in the Universe all that content is store for the eventual copyright expiration date?  

Or is it lost forever.

Argh!

Gooferment diktats like “copyright laws” really are misguided at best and the result of political “contributions” to politicians by Big Publishing!

— 30 —

Please leave a Reply