Artist pulls popular aquarium screensaver from Roku after Fox acquisition
Sachs, creator of the Marine Aquarium screensaver, has declined to renew his licensing deal with streaming device maker Roku because media group Fox bought the company. The contract was his main source of income.
Artist Sachs, creator of the Marine Aquarium screensaver, has decided not to renew his licensing contract with streaming device maker Roku. The reason is that media company Fox has just closed its $22 billion acquisition of Roku. As a result, the screensaver that Roku TV and set-top box users could pick is unlikely to remain on the platform.
The artist's explanation
Sachs told Ars Technica that he believes Fox wants another venue for spreading its philosophy, which he finds repugnant. He said he cannot stand the idea of his artwork being used to draw even one person into that content.
He said the decision carries "major financial consequences." The Roku licence was his primary form of income, as sales of the computer version of the screensaver are low. Sachs said his needs are small, with a high property tax bill the only significant expense. He expects to be okay but cannot start the projects he had planned.
Contract terms
According to Sachs, exclusive rights across all set-top devices cost $80,000 per year, while non-exclusive rights cost $60,000 per year. Roku always chose the exclusive option. Roku did not respond to Ars Technica's request to confirm the details before publication.
What happens next
Sachs said Roku has asked him to restore the licence. He says he has no delusions that his move will have a meaningful impact, but hopes another streaming company will offer the screensaver. He said he would be happy to restore the licence if Fox changed its business model, and could even offer it for free. The screensaver remains on sale for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
