Things here at the FMC are really spinning. The Future of Music Policy
Summit Conference was a massive success, we've swept up the confetti,
and now our real work begins. But first, we must announce that the summit
lives on with webcast, press, and scholarly analysis -- in case you missed
what Chuck D dubbed "The Super Bowl of Internet Summits!"
WEBCASTS of the FMC Policy Summit: January 10-11, Gaston Hall,
Georgetown University, Washington DC
See, experience and study the ideas, positions and policies shared
by the most important critical leaders and thinkers in the music technology
space. Whether you are a musician, politician or internet technician
-- you'll find these panel discussions mind opening, engaging and
instantly educational. There's no better source for these cutting
edge issues. Wouldn't you like to join the conversation?
Let us thank Webnoize LIVE for webcasting the entire two day conference!
Go to http://www.webnoize.com/live/
to view the webcasts.
They've got the first day up there now, and will be adding additional
half-days on Feb. 9th and 16th.
PRESS on the FMC Policy Summit
The response from the press has been astounding with feature stories
on the conference appearing in many major (and independent) media
outlets. Check out our News section
or go to the main page and download the pdf press kit.
What We're Up To
Jenny Toomey
After a week of sleep and accounting post- policy conference Jenny
hopped a jet to the MIDEM music conference at Cannes where she delivered
a message of hope and action to the heads of many independent artist
and label organizations. In a series of meetings with international
managers, label heads and activists she has begun the tough work of
taking the FMC agenda international. This is critical as the mainstream
music and technology press heavily influences many international groups'
understanding of American music/technology issues. Upon returning
Jenny has been meeting with artists groups, congressional staffers,
foundation heads and FMC board members to begin working on FMC's goal
to unite the 98% percent of musicians that are not currently served
by the traditional music business models and to get them to educate
themselves and take action in their own self-interest. Check out the
webcast
of Jenny's opening remarks from the FMC policy conference for
more info on the FMC agenda.
Michael Bracy
As the inauguration is finally finished and the transition of power
begins to settle down, Michael is keeping a close eye on those rising
to positions of power in the Bush Administration and new Congressional
committee chairs to divine what it all means for artists. An immediate
priority is the Low Power Radio Initiative, which was severely gutted
by a congressional rider the day before Christmas. Michael is working
to ensure the 600 or so rural stations still permitted under the new
rules get on the air in a timely manner, and he is helping to facilitate
the testing process and technical report that will be submitted to
Congress by the FCC.
FMC is also working our way through key offices on the hill, introducing
our agenda to staff who clearly appreciate brainstorming on issues
like LPFM, digital royalty, media consolidation and, of course, Napster.
We will continue our basic educational work throughout the spring,
including alerting members and staff to the web archive of the Future
of Music Summit.
Brian Zisk
After moderating the Open Source panel at the FMC Policy Conference
(webcast)
Brian fell into a deep, feverish sleep. Rumor is that he's now kicking
around some tropical locale, plotting and planning how he can best
amplify the Future of Music Coalition and what he can do to help ensure
a reasonable compensation flow to the creators, while at the same
time working to ensure the public the best listening experience they
can possibly have.
Walter McDonough
Walter McDonough would like to thank the attorneys and academics who
contributed their time, energy and perspective to the conference.
The conference would not have been such a success without you. Although
he has still not had an opportunity to thank everyone individually,
you are all invited to visit him this summer at Fenway Park. Since
returning to Boston, Walter has been working on three major research
projects in conjunction with attorneys, law professors and law students
in the United States and Europe.
The first is a survey of the proposed EC Copyright Directive and
the recent WIPO conference on trademark and copyright jurisdictional
issues. Another important undertaking is focused on the impact of
Digital Performance Royalties for Sound Recordings on hip hop and
electronic music. Finally, he is continuing his research on the history
of compulsory licenses in the twentieth century. Anyone who has any
pertinent ideas, research materials or sports observations is invited
to contact Walter at digitalmusiclaw@yahoo.com.
Kristin Thomson
After the Policy Conference, Kristin returned to the University of
Delaware where she applied for and received a Fellowship that will
support her masters thesis work on the social, political and economic
reactions to emerging technologies. Some of this research and writing
will appear in educational articles that she'll be posting on the
web within the next few months. Also, as recently named Director of
Community Development, Kristin will be engaging in outreach to musicians
and record labels.
Peter DiCola
Peter has been continuing his research on the distribution of income
among musicians, specifically examining the market forces that cause
a few musicians to earn a great deal while the vast majority of musicians
do not. In addition, he has been investigating the aspects of the
"new economy" that may be making the situation better or
worse for musicians.
How are we doing?
If you have any feedback, questions, or suggestions please send
an email to suggestions@futureofmusic.org,
and let us know how we're doing.
Public Enemy Frontman, Production Team and Insiders Discuss Landmark Album On July 17, FMC and Pitchfork Music Festival will host a free discussion about Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back at Chicago's Cultural Center, featuring Chuck D, members of PE's production team and music media experts.
July 8, 2008 Press release | Event Page
FMC Files Brief to Protect Creative Expression
FMC and the Center for Creative Voices in Media filed a brief at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the FCC's indecency policy has a chilling effect on creativity and expression and deprives the public of access to protected speech.
July 2, 2008 Press release | Indecency amicus brief (PDF)
Wilco, Bright Eyes, Aimee Mann & more "Rock the Net" on Compilation CD
Thirsty Ear Recordings to release album on July 29 to benefit FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality.
June 2, 2008 Press release | Rock the Net
Musicians Get the Hint About Health Insurance
Two Raleigh concerts in memory of musician Drew Glackin; proceeds go to Glackin’s family and Future of Music Coalition’s Health Insurance Navigation Tool
April 10, 2008 Press release FMC's HINT program
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Forums in Rochester (April 28), Syracuse (April 29) and Albany (April 30) to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres.
March 25, 2008 Event details | RSVP
Pop Rockers OK Go "Tour" Congress in Support of Net Neutrality
Damian Kulash and Andy Ross discuss the importance of open Internet structures to musicians; Kulash testifies before House Judiciary Committee.
March 13, 2008 Press release
Spoken testimony
Written testimony
Rock the Net
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Kick-off forum in Buffalo on April 2 to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres. March 7, 2008 | Event details
Philly Bands Rocking for Net Neutrality February 23 Sugar Town show at Tritone in Philadelphia will showcase lady rockers and DJs, as well as musicians' support for net neutrality. February 15, 2008
OK Go and Bonerama Rocked DC for New Orleans Musicians Bands also champion FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality February 2 benefit show at DC's 9:30 Club raised over $8,000 for New Orleans musicians. Bands played cuts off their new benefit EP, You're Not Alone, available on iTunes on February 5. February 4, 2008
Upcoming Washington, DC show and benefit EP from OK Go & Bonerama
On February 2, OK Go and Bonerama will play a benefit at D.C.'s 9:30 Club in support of You're Not Alone - an EP to support Sweet Home New Orleans and Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. January 21, 2008
Successful New Orleans Concerts Aid Big Easy Musicians
Last week, two benefit concerts raised over $6,000 for Sweet Home New Orleans - a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for the city's musicians - and Big Easy music legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
January 15, 2008 Press release | Event details
Ann Chaitovitz Appointed
FMC's New Executive Director A proven leader in musician and public policy issues, Chaitovitz replaces founding Executive Director Jenny Toomey January 3, 2008
Concerts for New Orleans Musicians Bring Artists Together Two New Orleans shows and upcoming benefit CD from OK Go and Bonerama January 2, 2008
FMC's Jenny Toomey Appointed Program Officer for Ford Foundation
Kristin Thomson to Serve as FMC’s Interim Executive Director Michael Bracy to Chair FMC Board of Directors November 26, 2007
Seattle "Rocked the Net" Rep. Jay Inslee advocated network neutrality;
joined by rocker Matt Nathanson, Reclaim the Media, FMC and local music business representatives October 31, 2007
Rock the Net: Campaign for Net Neutrality Rocks Seattle
Teleconference with Rep Jay Inslee on Tuesday, Oct 30. Matt Nathanson performs at Seattle’s Crocodile Café on Tuesday, Oct. 30 October 26, 2007
Future of Music Policy Summit to Tackle Critical Issues at the Intersection of Music, Law, Technology and Policy Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Ron Wyden to Deliver Keynote Addresses
Mac McCaughan, Bob Mould, Marybeth Peters of the U.S. Copyright Office and More Than 90 Other Panelists Confirmed. September 10, 2007 Summit home page Press Credentialing
AT&T's muting of bands points toward a pattern of silencing political speech Content monitor did not edit out 20 instances of curse words during Pearl Jam webcast, despite AT&T claim it hires monitors to block "excessive profanity". August 13, 2007
Top musicians, lawyers, technologists confirmed for FMC's 7th annual Policy Summit August 13, 2007 Press Release Summit home page Press Credentialing
FMC Statement on AT&T Silencing Pearl Jam's lyrics during Lollapalooza webcast August 9, 2007
FMC Statement on Federal Trade Commission Report on Net Neutrality June 29, 2007
FMC files testimony with House Small Business Committee on CRB Webcasting Rates June 27, 2007 Press Release | Testimony
Clear Channel strips local, independent artists of digital performance royalties
FMC has discovered that Clear Channel's online application for local and independent artists to submit their music for airplay on each of its stations requires the artist to approve a licensing agreement that does away with their digital performance right. June 22, 2007
Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress
Congress introduces bills to create hundreds of new low power FM radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country. June 22, 2007
FMC Announces Dates for 7th annual Policy Summit
September 17-18, 2007
GWU Betts Theatre, Washington, DC June 11, 2007
FMC Organizes "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II"
A Benefit Concert on May 27 at New Orleans' Tipitina's for Sweet Home New Orleans featuring: Indigo Girls, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Matt Nathanson, Pamela Z...and special guests
May 23, 2007 Press Release | Details
Congressman Mike Doyle to address conference on music, law and technology
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 25, 2007
A2IM Endorses Rock the Net Campaign
American Association of Independent Music urges its label members to join the campaign for network neutrality. April 17, 2007
Music Mashes with Policy at upcoming Technology and IP Policy Day
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 16, 2007
FMC Applauds FCC's Payola Settlement
Payola agreement by FCC and big broadcast chains represents a major - but tentative - step toward once again opening the nation's airwaves to local music and voices. April 13, 2007
Rep. Edward Markey, Ted Leo kick off "Rock the Net"
Nearly 150 artists and labels have already signed onto campaign for net neutrality
March 27, 2007 Press Release | Rock the Net
Major Artists To Join Launch of Rock the Net Campaign for Net Neutrality March 23, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC's "Rules of Engagement" On Payola March 5, 2007
FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Media Ownership Proceeding January 16, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC Payola Settlement
FMC's statement on FCC's reported consent decree with the broadcast industry in regards to payola. January 16, 2007
Radio Station Ownership Consolidation Shown to Harm Musicians and the Public
FMC study shows that the rapid consolidation of the commercial radio industry that followed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has led to a loss of localism, less competition, fewer viewpoints and less diversity in radio programming in media markets across the country.
December 13, 2006 Press release Report details
FMC Organizes Musicians Bringing Musicians Home Benefit concert at New Orleans' Tipitina's on November 6th featuring Steve Earle, Mike Mills, Allison Moorer, Tom Morello, Boots Riley, Corin Tucker and special guests.
October 23, 2006 Read press release Read press coverage
Job
Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation Undermine Localism and Diversity FMC, Newspaper Guild and Consumers Union urge FCC to take employment effects
of their policies into account during upcoming review of media ownership rules August 9, 2006
FMC Releases Research on Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidaton August 9, 2006
FMC on Preserving the Dynamism of the Internet Opinion Piece on ABC News June 29, 2006
FMC Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Vote in Support of LPFM June 28, 2006
FMC Statement on FCC Media Ownership Proceeding June 21, 2006
Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy June 13, 2006
Pearl Jam Donation To Help Musicians Help Themselves Proceeds From Washington, DC Appearance to be Donated to FMC Artist Research
Council May 25, 2006 Press Release
FMC signs on letter to preserve net neutrality May 17, 2006
FMC Announces Dates for Sixth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
October 5-7, 2006 Media Advisory May 15, 2006
FMC Statement on Release of Feingold's Radio and Concert Disclosure
and Competition Act of 2005 November 18, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Commerce Committee in Support of a
Public Performance Right for Sound Recordings October 19, 2005
Top Names in Music, Law, Technology and Policy Return to Debate Critical
Issues at Fifth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
September 6, 2005 Media Advisory | Policy
Summit home page
FMC Announces Health Insurance Navigation Tool
August 9, 2005 HINT Home Page
FMC Press Release: Music Mashes with Policy at DC Policy Day April 8, 2005
FMC's Michael Bracy Testifies in front
of House Judiciary Committee on "Digital Music Interoperability" April 6, 2005
FMC files comments at US Copyright Office on "Orphan
Works"
Comments also ask Copyright
Office to consider status of out-of-print recordings March 25, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Stating Concerns about S 193, Broadcast Decency Enforcement
Act March
10, 2005
FMC and artist groups file joint reply comments at FCC on localism in broadcasting,
MB Docket 04-233
January
3, 2005 PDF of document
