Thanks for tuning in, and for hanging tight. As usual, we’ve been
hard at work on many fronts since we last wrote – organizing events,
writing, drafting responses to FCC rules, engaging with the low power
radio community, learning more about digital distribution services, and
grantwriting. We thank everyone who wrote sent us feedback about newsletter
#27 – we’re glad it was informative! But we also heard that
the newsletters are too long. So…we’re putting on our “economy
of language” hats for this report as well as shifting some longer
pieces to the website where folks can peruse them at their leisure. Let
us know if this makes the newsletters more readable. And now, the news:
Mark your calendars! FMC Announces Plans for Policy Summit 2004
For the past three years, the FMC has hosted Policy Summits in Washington,
DC shortly after the New Year. But instead of pushing our luck and biting
our nails down to the cuticles regarding the unpredictable weather in
January, we’re shifting our Summit for 2004 to the glorious springtime!
So mark your calendars now for the fourth annual FMC Policy Summit.
Future of Music Coalition Policy Summit 2004
Date: May 2–4, 2004
Location: George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, Washington,
DC
Website for event: http://www.futureofmusic.org/events/summit04/
In addition, we’re expanding our schedule this year and organizing
two one-day events outside the Beltway. In January 2004, FMC will be
collaborating with the Experience Music Project and the Seattle NARAS
chapter for an event in Seattle that will focus on positive and proactive
solutions to radio consolidation. And on February 25, 2004, FMC will
join with Hastings College of Law for a one-day music law summit in
San Francisco. We’ll be sending out a separate email with details
about these events shortly.
For more info about events: http://www.futureofmusic.org/events/upcoming.cfm.
And if you want to help us spread the word about these events, we have
“Save the Date” postcards that we can send to you for distribution
at shows, on tour, at record shops, at work, school, or conferences!
Email us a bit about yourself and a mailing address at volunteer@futureofmusic.org
if you’re up for it.
Activist Musicians Embark on a Tell Us The Truth Tour
This November, acclaimed activist musicians Billy Bragg, Tom Morello
(The Nightwatchman), Steve Earle, and Lester Chambers of the Chambers
Brothers are embarking on a thirteen-date “Tell us the Truth”
tour to perform concerts and raise awareness on current media reform
and fair trade issues. With support from unions, environmental, religious
and media reform groups – including Jobs With Justice, Citizen
Trade Campaign, Common Cause, Free Press and the Future of Music Coalition
– this tour will be the most visible challenge to corporate domination
of the public discourse in recent history.
The tour is partnering with Rock the Vote to register voters, as well
as scores of grassroots media and trade groups to build an educated
electorate in preparation for next year’s presidential election.
The tour will raise funds to support future artist/activist partnerships
and organize future Tell us the Truth Tours.
We hope you can make it out to one of these great shows in your area.
And tell your friends!
November 7-8 Madison, WI National Conference on Media Reform
November 10 Chicago, IL Park West
November 11 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theater
November 12 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue
November 14 Nashville, TN Belcourt Theater
November 15 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel
November 16 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
November 17 Tampa, FL Tampa Theater
November 19 Miami, FL People’s Gala for Global Justice
November 21 Philadelphia, PA Keswick Theater
November 22 New York, NY Webster Hall
November 23 Boston, MA Berklee Performance Center
November 24 Washington, D.C. 9:30 Club
FMC’s Jenny Toomey will be traveling with the tour doing logistics,
organizing and press. For more info about the tour, its mission, or
to get tickets, visit this fabulous website: http://www.tellusthetruth.org
Earle, Bragg, Morello Set Tour Plans
by Jonathan Cohen, Billboard,
October 9, 2003
Musician Advocate Groups and Unions Release Radio Issues Statement
On October 8, 2003, the FMC joined with AFTRA, AFM, and the Recording
Artists Coalition to deliver a “Joint Statement on Current Issues
in Radio” to the FCC and Congress. The statement was also signed
by six other groups: Artists’ Empowerment Coalition; Association
for Independent Music; Just Plain Folks Music Organization; Nashville
Songwriters Association International; National Association of Recording
Merchandisers; and the Music Managers Forum.
In the statement, the organizations – representing thousands of
performing artists, as well as hundreds of record retailers –
expressed gratitude that some of the issues of media ownership, payola
and vertical integration first highlighted in a May 2002 letter have
received more attention from Congress, the FCC and by the radio industry
itself.
However, we also expressed our continued concern about the problems
that are caused or exacerbated by radio ownership consolidation and
vertical integration in the radio industry. We reiterated our call on
the FCC and Congress to investigate such issues as vertical integration
of radio ownership, payola, radio ownership consolidation and low power
radio, to ensure that radio serves the public interest.
Read the press release here.
Read the statement here.
AFTRA and Major Labels Reach a Historic Agreement on Health Insurance
On October 1, 2003, the American Federation of Television and Radio
Artists (AFTRA) announced that it had come to a historic and long-fought-for
agreement with the major labels regarding health insurance for musicians
working under contract.
The agreement, known as the AFTRA Sound Recordings Code, covers both
royalty artists (vocalists) and session vocalists that are AFTRA members
who are performing on sound recordings. The centerpiece of the tentative
agreement is an innovative structure that guarantees access to health
insurance under the AFTRA Health Plan to all AFTRA covered royalty artists
under exclusive contract to a label.
For the first time, every covered artist under contract to a major record
label or other AFTRA signatory label is guaranteed access to basic health
care for as long as the artist remains on the label's roster as an exclusive
recording artist.
The FMC joins AFTRA in commending the recording industry for recognizing
the importance of providing basic health care to the artists whose music
fuels this business, and for working with AFTRA's negotiating committee
to develop a breakthrough solution on this issue. We’d also like
to congratulate and thank AFTRA for working so doggedly on this issue
on behalf of royalty artists. Yay AFTRA!
Health Care for Recording Artists?
By Barry Willis, Stereophile, October
6, 2003
SoundExchange Breaks Free of RIAA
The FMC is also pleased to hear that SoundExchange – the royalty
collection agency for webcasting royalties – has severed its ties
with the RIAA. This separation of the two entities was one of the FMC’s
earliest struggles, and one that our general counsel Walter McDonough
has been advocating for as an artist representative on the SoundExhange
Board since 2000. For us, the association between the two entities was
akin to the fox guarding the henhouse, and we’re glad that the
SoundExchange Board has agreed to separate the royalty collection agency
from the RIAA.
"This has been a long time coming," said FMC’s General
Counsel, Walter McDonough, who also serves as an artist rep on the SoundExchange
board, "but hopefully this may serve as a model of how to increase
artist compensation in the future.”
Policy Update: FCC’s Broadcast Ownership Rules and Localism
As reported in previous newsletters, the FCC’s Broadcast Ownership
rules passed 3-2 by the FCC commissioners on June 2, 2003. Since then,
a variety of groups and policymakers have been working on a multitude
of fronts to amend, roll back, or stop these rules from being implemented.
For brevity, we will only highlight three efforts here, but you can
also read our October 30 media policy
update page to understand the bigger picture.
Media Activists Successful in Motion to Stay Rules
------------------------------------------
On September 3, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia granted
a stay, which stopped the new FCC rules from taking effect. The motion
for the stay was filed by Prometheus Radio Project – a group that
works mainly on low power FM station advocacy – and was brilliantly
argued in court by Andy Schwartzman of the Media Access Project, a public
interest lawfirm with a long track record on FCC-related fights for
citizens. Experts predict that this stay may be in effect for up to
a year as it kicks off a variety of other legal and regulatory responses.
Oral arguments will take place on February 11, 2004 in Philadelphia.
FMC Files a Petition for Reconsideration
------------------------------------------
Because of the research we published last November on the effects of
radio’s consolidation on citizens and musicians, we felt it was
important for the FMC to file a “Petition for Reconsideration”
at the FCC. The document – filed at the FCC on September 4 –
addresses a number of the fundamental flaws we saw in the radio section
of the FCC’s recent rulemaking on media ownership. You can read
our 19 page filing here. Executive
Summary | PDF of document
Senate Action: CRA and S 1046
------------------------------------------
There has been remarkable progress in Congress, but opponents of FCC
Chairman Powell's plan still face a number if difficult hurdles. On
September 16, the Senate passed SJ 17 by a vote of 55-40. This measure
-- a Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, or
"congressional veto" -- now moves to the House of Representatives.
At least 200 Representatives have signed a letter circulated by Rep.
Maurice Hinchey and others calling for a vote on the Resolution, but
the House leadership (primarily Speaker Dennis Hastert, Majority Leader
Tom Delay and Commerce Committee Chairman Billy Tauzin) are keeping
the measure from coming to a vote.
Another promising piece of legislation, S 1046 the "Preservation
of Localism, Program Diversity, and Competition in Television Broadcast
Service Act of 2003" has been moving through the Senate and may
be brought to the floor early next year. Introduced by Senator Ted Stevens
(R-AK) the bill now has 47 Senate co-sponsors (including 12 Republicans).
This bill is important because it reinstates cross-ownership limits
between TV and newspapers; clarifies that the FCC has the authority
to "re-regulate" if it is in the public interest; mandates
field hearings during ownership reviews; and forces divestiture of radio
station clusters that exceed newly defined markets. If this bill is
considered on the Senate floor, it will likely pass by a wide margin.
This could put significant pressure on the House leadership to allow
consideration on their side of the Capitol.
What You Can Do
-----------------------------------------
As always, letters to your elected officials to express your opinion
on these issues are great. Call both your Senators and encourage them
to co-sponsor S 1046. If they are already co-sponsors, you should thank
them for their support. You can go to http://www.congress.org
to get contact information for your Senators.
Want to do more? Our allies at Free Press have initiated a “Call
Congress” campaign that encourages citizens to contact their members
of Congress and urge them to support various bills like S 1046 that
would roll back the FCC’s decision. The website includes links
to members of Congress and sample messages. You can read more about
it here: http://www.mediareform.net/callcongress.php
FCC Schedules Field Hearings on Localism in Communities Across
the Country
As part of its new "localism" initiative, the Federal Communications
Commission will hold six "town meetings" across the nation
over the next nine months to give citizens a chance to report how well
the media is serving the public interest in their communities and how
it can be served better.
The first town meeting happened in Charlotte, NC on October 22. As news
reports recount, the Charlotte/Mecklenberg municipal building was packed
with nearly 300 citizens for the evening hearing, many of whom lined
up to tell Chairman Powell and Commissioner Copps their opinions about
how local radio and TV stations are serving the community. Here’s
a few news clips:
Own globally, act locally?
The FCC's Michael Powell says a shortage of local and community affairs
programming has nothing to do with media conglomeration. But at a
North Carolina hearing, he heard from his critics.
By Eric Boehlert Salon.com,
October 24, 2003
FCC examines broadcasters
Charlotte hearing looks at how TV stations serve communities The
Associated Press, October 23, 2003
FCC Localism Hearing Draws Large, Vocal Crowd
Citizens, Broadcasters Discuss Local Media Ownership Issues WRAL, October
22, 2003
What You Can Do
--------------------------------------
If you're at all concerned about how your local radio, TV and newspapers
serve your community, this is a fantastic chance for your voice to
be heard. As actual dates and locations are confirmed we'll post them
on the FMC website at http://www.futureofmusic.org/events/upcoming.cfm
December 2003, San Antonio, TX
March 2004, Santa Cruz/Salinas, CA
April 2004, Rapid City, SD
May 2004, Portland, ME
June 2004, Washington, DC
Are you talking to me, punk?
Recently, the FMC had the pleasure of meeting with some folks who
have kicked off a new effort to get music fans engaged in the political
process, called Punk Voter. Punk Voter’s goal is to educate,
register and mobilize over 500,000 of today's youth as one voice.
They plan to use the 2004 federal election as a way to get our fans
engaged in politics and evolve into a movement that can get involved
locally to affect real change nationally. Loads of bands, musicians
and labels – from the Foo Fighters to Good Charlotte to Ministry
– have jumped on the bandwagon. You can throw yourself in the
mosh pit here: http://www.punkvoter.org.
RIAA Continues Legal Squeeze on File Sharers
The last two months has seen an almost daily barrage of news stories
in the press about the lawsuits the RIAA has been bringing against
individual infringers. The most recent reports indicate that the RIAA
has settled out of court with a number of “egregious infringers”
and dropped other lawsuits because of some “mistaken identity”
problems. One alleged infringer – a Jane Doe – is countersuing
the RIAA because of the tactics that the association has used to deliver
subpoenas and collect evidence about individuals.
Politically the RIAA has taken some heat over these subpoenas, in
particular from Senator Norm Coleman who has called for investigations
into the RIAA’s wielding of this much “fast-track”
legal power. In response, the RIAA has softened the blow by issuing
warnings to their targets, allowing them ten days to negotiate a settlement.
On the other end of the spectrum, the most recent reports seem to
suggest that the RIAA’s lawsuits are having an effect on peer-to-peer
file sharing traffic. Here’s a selection of news:
RIAA Croons a New Warning Tune
The recording industry group says from now on it will send out warning
letters to suspected music-file traders before taking them to court,
allowing them to negotiate a settlement. Those who do not respond
within 10 days will be sued. Reuters/Wired,
October 18, 2003
File-Sharing Services Have Plan to Pay Group Says It Can Protect Music Industry
By Frank Ahrens Washington
Post, October 9, 2003
Florida Dorms Lock Out P2P Users A program designed to nab file swappers at the University of Florida
appears to be successful, much to the chagrin of students. The pilot
project is a model for other schools coping with peer-to-peer sharing
on campus networks.
By Katie Dean Wired,
October 3, 2003
Lawsuits Damp Down P2P Audience
Activity on the more popular peer-to-peer networks has dropped 41
percent in three months, according to a new poll. The RIAA's no-download
message, delivered through lawsuits against individuals, seems to
be getting through. Wired,
October 1, 2003
Rude Awakening for File Sharers
Many people who download from Kazaa and other applications say they're
shocked that sharing music files isn't legal. After all, they paid$29.95
for premium versions of file-sharing apps, so how could they not be
legit?
By Michelle Delio Wired,
September 11, 2003
Tone Deaf to a Moral Dilemma?
Millions download songs illegally but don't feel guilty. The industry
wants to shake up their consciences. Targeting parents is one tactic.
by Jon Healey and Jeff Leeds, Los
Angeles Times, September 2, 2003
Defiance propels music trading: Web means 'free' to file sharers
Online file sharing gave San Francisco band Ten Mile Tide its start
and a fan following. The folk rock band has a partnership on file-sharing
site Kazaa.com and on Cornerband.com which lets people search for
and rate new artists and download songs or buy albums.
By Jennifer Beauprez, Denver
Post, September 1, 2003
How Can Independent Bands, Artists, and Labels Get Their Music
Online?
For us here at the FMC, it’s the news about the launch of new
legal distribution services that get us excited because this seems
like the most promising way for artists to be compensated for their
work in the digital future. In September, MusicMatch opened up a download
store. In October we saw the launch of iTunes for PC, and most recently
Roxio debuted the new, legal version of Napster 2.0. Here’s
some of the top news:
Apple PC iTunes hits 1 million downloads
Apple Computer Inc. said that computer users had downloaded more than
one million copies of its iTunes digital jukebox software for Windows
since its launch Thursday, and that a total of one million digital
songs had been purchased at 99 cents in that time. Reuters,
October 21, 2003
PC User Whistles a Happy ITunes
Apple crosses over to the PC world with an iTunes music-sharing program
for Windows. Katie Dean gives the new software an audition. Wired,
October 18, 2003
Napster Returns -- Not Free but Legal
Three years ago, it was ludicrous to think that Napster would win
the backing of the record labels that were suing it for piracy.
By Jon Healey, Los
Angeles Times, October 10, 2003
MusicMatch to Sell Downloadable Music
The online store, which opens today, imposes the fewest limits on
copying and portability among legitimate outlets.
By Jon Healey, Los
Angeles Times, September 29, 2003
Music Fans Starting to Tune In to Fee-Based Sites
Ex-file sharers like the bigger, more reliable libraries. But the
labels have a long way to go.
By Jon Healey, Los
Angeles Times, September 21, 2003
For consumers, the recent explosion of options about how to listen
to, learn about and download music legally has been great, but the
FMC continues to remind folks that these new forms of distribution
should provide all artists – not just those signed to major
labels or big indies – with a better opportunity to find an
audience for their music and get compensated for their work.
Unlike terrestrial music stores with limited shelf space and can only
stock the most recent or best selling hits, digital download stores
have limitless space. Because of this, digital download stores can
stock records that have long been out-of-print, or carry releases
by artists that are unsigned or on indie labels. And now that there
are better, more secure stores out there, artists should see these
various sites as yet another way to promote and distribute their music.
But how do indie labels and unsigned artists get their tunes for sale
through these various services? It’s not as hard as you might
think. The FMC has recently interviewed three of the primary services
that can help musicians and indie labels offer their songs for sale
through various digital distribution services, asking them how they
do it, what they offer, and how artists get paid. Check them out!
Digital Rights Agency
is a company that negotiates distribution deals with digital music
services by using the collective bargaining power of its rapidly expanding
group of label clients.
CD Baby continues
to offer a fantastic opportunity for independent and unsigned musicians
to sell their CDs via their website. Now, CD Baby has added a digital
distribution component to their services, so for a reasonably small
set up fee artists can now have their songs included in up to seven
different distribution services.
Universal Cuts Prices at Retail
-------------------------------------------------------
In September, Universal Music announced it would cut their retail
CD prices to $11.99. The FMC believes that this is a reasonable reaction
from the record label to consumers’ ever-increasing dissatisfaction
with the high cost of CDs. There’s a sense by some in the music
industry that the four other major labels will follow suit and drop
their retail prices to match.
The financial bottom line for UMG will probably stay the same. While
they will see less money for each CD sold, the company has also stopped
shelling out thousands per week in advertising money, which is usually
referred to as co-op money – through which they subsidize the
advertising costs of retailers.
This price cut, however, does have some negative consequences. First,
it has been reported that the lower prices offered to retailers comes
with conditions. UMG was insisting that, to get the lower price, that
stores are expected to dedicate 25 percent of their display/rack space
to Universal releases. We assume this number is based on UMG’s
27 percent global market share, but why should indie stores that have
both limited space and usually a much wider selection of music from
both major labels and independent labels be forced to dedicate that
much rack space to one label just to get records at this new price?
In addition, the bands signed to UMG will most likely also feel the
price drop. Since royalty formula in most major label contracts is
based on the “suggested retail price”, the FMC assumes
that bands will be seeing proportionately less in their royalty checks
that are based on sales. Of course, the gamble is that the lower price
will generate more retail sales, which will offset the price drops.
Only time will tell.
Universal Music Was Boxed In on CD Prices by Big Retail Chains
Discounting by Best Buy and others may have forced the cuts. More
labels may follow along.
By Jeff Leeds, Los
Angeles Times, September 5, 2003
Top Label Cuts CD Prices to Fight Net Downloads
Universal Music's move to increase sales could benefit consumers but
squeeze retailers.
By Jeff Leeds, Los
Angeles Times, September 4, 2003
Giving price cuts a spin
No. 1 record firm Universal Music looks to get sales back in groove
By Chris Gaither, Boston
Globe, September 4, 2003
Jenny Toomey
For the past few weeks Jenny has been coordinating the details of
the Tell Us the Truth tour and embarking on her first solo tour in
over a year. She recently was quoted in the New York Times coining
the expression "Lowry Burger" and she spoke at American
University on a panel that discussed the future of P2P.
Walter McDonough
Walter recently moderated at panel on the State of the Music Industry
that included Mike Dreese, president of Newbury Comix, Bill Thomas,
Chief of Staff of ASCAP, Dickie Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones
and Brian Celler, Epic Records.
Kristin Thomson
Kristin has to get a hat rack installed in her home office just to
keep her various hats organized, let alone put on the damn hat and
actually get some work done. But somehow we keep moving forward, ever
so speedily. She recently participated in a panel moderated by Carrie
McLaren of Stay Free! Magazine as part of the “Illegal Art Extravaganza”
and looks forward to more research on intellectual property issues,
digital distribution services and event organizing for 2004.
Brian Zisk
Brian's been comparing the huge touring industry (of which musicians
get a large share) to the much smaller recorded music industry (of
which artists get a much smaller share). He's been seeing obvious
sighs as to which
sectors of the economy are most likely to help support artists in
the future.
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
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
