[cue jingle bells] "It's the most wonderful time of
the year…"
It most certainly is! Though we FMC board members have a holiday season
filled more with emails, details and name badge-alphabetizing parties
than holiday carols and eggnog, it's definitely worth it when you look
at the impressive cast of panelists, speakers and musicians who will be
convening in DC in less than two weeks at our Policy Summit. This month's
email focuses on the last round of details for our annual event, as well
as a bit of news about our radio study that we released in mid-November.
So read on!
The Countdown Begins for the FMC Policy Summit: January 5-7, 2003
The third annual FMC Policy Summit is scheduled for January 5-7, 2003
at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. As with last year, we're
bringing a fantastic and diverse group of artists, academics, lawyers,
business leaders, technologists and policymakers together for an engaging
and in-depth look at the most critical issues at the intersection of
music, law, policy and technology.
SUMMIT DETAILS FALLING INTO PLACE
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Before we get to the nitty gritty, a general note that this year's Summit
is shaping up very well. We've confirmed nearly all our panelists including
such luminaries as rocker Joan Jett, NPR's Ira Glass, BMG's Jim Cooperman,
entertainment attorney Rosemary Carroll, musicians Patti Smith, Eric
Bazilian and Vernon Reid, WIPO copyright expert Richard Owens, NARM
president Pam Horovitz, visionary Jim Griffin, California state senator
Kevin Murray, manager and head of IMMF Peter Jenner, academic Yochai
Benkler and Verizon VP Sarah Deutsch... just to name a few.
We're also pleased to announce that, in addition to keynotes from Senator
Russ Feingold, Rep. Mark Foley and Rep. Howard Berman, the newly-appointed
FCC commissioner Jonathan Adelstein will be making his first public
policy
statements at the Summit.
Perhaps even more exciting for us, there's been a HUGE amount of interest
from musicians seeking scholarships to attend the Summit and, thanks
to generous contributions from a number of sponsors, we've been able
to subsidize the attendance of nearly 200 artists!
SUMMIT EXPANDS TO THREE DAYS
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Monday and Tuesday's programs will include five panels each day, keynote
speeches, musical performances, networking opportunities, and other
events. In addition, we have built out a program on Sunday afternoon
so that working musicians with day jobs can also have a chance to attend.
Sunday, January 5 will include three musician-specific panels that will
focus on practical matters for working musicians, and also serve as
a "primer" for the next days' discussions.
For more information about the schedule and panelists go here
CLE ACCREDITATION AVAILABLE
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We are working with Georgetown University Law School to secure CLE credits
for this program. The program has been approved for 7.5 to 9.0 CLE credits
for New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania, with Virginia credits currently
pending, and others in the works.
Information about CLE credits for these and other states here
CONCERTS at the KENNEDY CENTER MILLENNIUM STAGE
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Launched in 1997 as part of the Performing Arts for Everyone Initiative,
some 400+ people stop by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
every day to enjoy performances at 6 PM in the Grand Foyer. We are pleased
to announce that the FMC is working with the prestigious Kennedy Center
on
concerts to be held in conjunction with the Policy Summit.
Saturday, January 4 at 6 PM: Patti Smith
Sunday, January 5 at 6 PM: Lester Chambers of the Chambers Brothers
On Thursday, January 2 at 6 PM, Barbara Sorenson will also be performing
at the Millennium Stage. Barb is a musician scholarship recipient and
has arranged a number of shows in the DC area around the Summit. Concerts
are free to attend, no tickets required, so spread the word!
There's more about this program on their website here
PHO DINNER
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How could we host an event like this and not kick things off with a
Pho dinner on Saturday night (right after the Patti Smith show)? Visit
this page for more information about how to RSVP:
http://www.futureofmusic.org/events/summit03/pho.cfm
WIN A GUITAR or a NEUROS AUDIO PLAYER!
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Two of our sponsors have graciously offered items for us to raffle away.
Epiphone Guitars has donated an AJ-18S acoustic guitar (list price:
$500) and Digital Innovations is giving away two of its brand new Neuros
Audio players – a 20 gig model (list price: $399) and a 128 MB
flash version (list price: $249). All registered participants will be
eligible for the drawings. Just three more reasons to sign up!
NEED HOTEL or TRAVEL INFORMATION?
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We have posted information about travel and a variety of hotels here.
We have also reserved 40 rooms from January 4 -7 at the Marriott at
Georgetown University Conference Center. This hotel is on the GU campus
and only a few hundred yards from Gaston Hall, making it very convenient.
Call 1.800.228.9290 or 202.687.3235 and mention the "Future of
Music Coalition" to receive the discounted rate of $145. Reservations
must be made by December 27, 2002 to receive the special rate. Please
visit their website to learn more about their services, rooms, covered
parking, and other amenities.
MUSICIANS' SCHOLARSHIPS
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Because of some generous contributions from our sponsors, 200 musicians
are able to attend the event on a scholarship status. We would encourage
any working musicians who want to engage in the music/tech debate and
better understand the issues affecting their livelihood to fill out
an application
online here:
Scholarships are for musicians only and we only have a few left so if
you're a musician who's interested in attending, fill out an application
now.
HELP US TO MAKE THIS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SUMMIT YET
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We want Gaston Hall to be packed with folks who want to participate
in this vigorous debate about music, law, technology and policy, so
please let your colleagues, students, clients, customers, friends and
family know about this important event. Interested folks should be encouraged
to visit the Summit's homepage
to learn more about registration, schedules, sponsoring opportunities,
and the scholarships we're making available to working musicians. Want
to help us even more? Contact our volunteer coordinator Kendall Nordin
at kendall@futureofmusic.org to see how you can help either before or
during the event.
FMC Releases Results of Radio Consolidation Study
On November 18, 2002 the FMC publicly released its report documenting
the effects of radio station ownership consolidation on musicians and
the public. This comprehensive analysis was conducted in partnership
with Media Access Project and funded by a grant from the Rockefeller
Foundation.
The report's findings were announced at a press event at the Willard
Hotel in Washington, DC on November 18 where FMC's Jenny Toomey, Kristin
Thomson, Peter DiCola and Michael Bracy were joined by representatives
from AFTRA, AFM, Media Access Project and Consumers' Union.
The release of the study generated an impressive volume of press, not
to mention a "fact sheet" issued by the National Association
of Broadcasters in advance of the report's release meant to discredit
our work. You can visit this webpage
to review the full report, the executive summary, the
NAB's "fact sheet", our rebuttal, or any of the supporting
documents.
In addition, FMC representatives were invited to the Federal Communications
Commission in early December to present the findings with various commissioners
and the FCC's Media Bureau Research Group. We'll give a more thorough
rundown of the results of the radio study at the conference, as well
as in our next newsletter.
Great Articles in the Newsstream
There's been a significant amount of press about many issues that we
care about, including major label accounting practices, webcasting,
radio consolidation, pay for play, and digital distribution, many of
which will be hot topics at the Summit. Here's a selection:
Music industry fight to block Net access hits new lows
Editorial: Just ask any teenager: Nobody who's anybody pays retail for
music. Thanks to software that is readily available on the Internet,
free music files can be easily downloaded. USA
Today, December 9, 2002
Recording Industry Practices Hearing Summary
By Senator Kevin Murray State of California, 26 District Chair, Senate
Select Committee on the Entertainment Industry December 3, 2002
FCC's Copps to Take Media Hearings On the Road
The lone Democrat on the Federal Communications Commission said Thursday
he will hold hearings outside Washington on media ownership regulations
that are under review at the agency -- and will do so himself if necessary.
By Todd Shields Mediaweek,
November 21, 2002
Universal Music to Redo Royalties
Firm becomes second to respond to concerns about the industry's accounting
practices.
By Chuck Philips LA
Times, November 28, 2002
Congress Gives Webcasters a Break
Smaller Internet music broadcasters will be allowed to pay lower copyright
royalty fees than they do now under legislation Congress passed on Friday. Wired.com,
November 15, 2002
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.
Thanks for your support and see you next time.
Jenny Toomey
Michael Bracy
Brian Zisk
Walter McDonough
Kristin Thomson
Peter DiCola
FMC Announces Upcoming Events Fall 2008 "What's the Future for Musicians?" seminars in New York and Chicago; Washington, D.C. Policy Day and Policy Summit set for 2009.
August 5, 2008 Press release | Event Page
FMC Commends FCC's Comcast Decision On August 1, the FCC ruled that Comcast violated net neutrality principles; the decision is a positive step in preserving the open internet. August 1, 2008
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
