Californians can now enjoy their favorite shows without being jolted by noisy TV commercials, thanks to a new law that officially bans ads from being louder than the programs they interrupt.
For years, viewers in the United States have complained about the sudden surge in volume whenever commercials air—especially while streaming movies or TV shows online. One moment they’re watching a calm nature documentary, and the next, they’re scrambling for the remote to mute a shouting salesman.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the new law on Monday, saying the state government had finally responded to widespread complaints about loud ads.
“We heard Californians loud and clear, and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program,” Newsom said after signing the bill into law.
The updated legislation replaces older regulations that only applied to broadcast and cable television, expanding the rule to include streaming platforms.
With this move, California becomes the first U.S. state to enforce such a restriction on streaming services, ensuring viewers have a more consistent and comfortable watching experience.