California viewers can finally say goodbye to blaring TV commercials that disrupt their favorite shows. On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law banning noisy TV ads, ensuring that commercials can no longer be louder than the programs they accompany.
For years, viewers across the United States have voiced frustrations over sudden volume spikes during commercial breaks—especially while streaming shows or movies online. One moment, audiences might be enjoying a calm nature documentary, and the next, they are scrambling for the remote as a booming voice interrupts to promote a miracle product.
Governor Newsom addressed the long-standing complaint, saying, “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.”
The new legislation updates older laws that previously only regulated traditional broadcast and cable television. With the rapid shift toward digital entertainment, the revised rules now extend to streaming platforms, which have become the main way many Californians consume media.
Experts say this move modernizes consumer protection in the entertainment industry, ensuring that viewers on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube TV enjoy the same noise control standards as those watching cable television.
Media analysts believe this could set a precedent for other U.S. states to follow. As streaming continues to dominate the entertainment landscape, uniform sound-level regulations could soon become the national standard.
For Californians, the new law means a more peaceful, uninterrupted viewing experience—without the shock of a sudden blast of sound. Advertisers will still be able to promote their products, but now they’ll need to do so at a respectful decibel level.
The message from the Golden State is clear: viewers deserve volume consistency, not chaos.
