As the year winds down, FMC is madly organizing for 2005. While
it’s too early to divulge any details, we’re closing in on
some opportunities to expand beyond our landmark Policy Summit through
some new events that will bring even more issues to the forefront and
allow more musicians, academics, advocates, and music fans to join us.
In this issue, we bring you lots of exciting news about projects we’ve
been working on over the past few months.
Pew Internet releases results of musician survey
FMC files comments at FCC on localism in broadcasting
FCC localism hearing scheduled in Twin Cities
Grokster case appealed to Supreme Court
Senate passes watered down internet piracy bill
Infinity Says No to Independent Radio Promoters
CD Baby pays out $10 million
Garageband.com inks deal with MSN Music
Just Plain Folks Holds Huge Awards Ceremony
In the Newsstream
What we’re doing
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1.
Pew Internet releases results of musician survey
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In March 2004, FMC and Pew Internet & American Life Project worked
with an array of other musician and songwriter organizations to conduct
an online survey to gauge musicians’ opinions of copyright and
the internet in general. Over 2700 musicians completed the survey.
The report includes results from three separate surveys that shared
some common questions. In one, Pew telephoned self-identified “artists” – painters,
writers, poets, musicians. In another, Pew telephoned the general
public. And a third was the online survey that FMC and Pew launched
last March.
The results are fascinating, especially when the musicians’ survey
respondents are broken down into four groups based on the amount of time
spent and amount of income derived from being a musician.
Key findings from the musicians’ survey:
Musicians use the internet to promote and sell their work
87% of the musician respondents say they promote, advertise or display
their music online, and 83% provide free samples or previews of their
music on the internet.
69% of the respondents say they sell their music online. 63% say
that they sell their music online someplace other than their own Web
site; 56% sell CDs through online stores like Amazon.com or CDBaby,
28% sell downloadable files through digital stores like iTunes, and
18% sell their music someplace else online.
For independent musicians, in particular, this newfound ability to bypass
traditional distribution outlets and geographic boundaries has been a
watershed. One musician explained that having the ability to sell music
online was the most significant impact of the internet: “A huge
positive benefit is being able to have my music available for sale to
anyone in the world who wants it. Ten years ago there was absolutely
no way to sell your CD except through major distribution deals or at
your own shows.”
Musicians are divided over file-sharing
Echoing the sharply conflicting opinions within the ongoing public debate
about file-sharing, musicians are equally divided over file-sharing services’ impact
on artists. There is no clear consensus regarding the effects of online
file-sharing on artists.
35% of the online musician sample agree with the statement that file-sharing
services are not bad for artists because they help promote and
distribute an artist’s work
23% agree with the statement that file-sharing services are bad for
artists because they allow people to copy an artist’s work without
permission or payment
35% of those surveyed agree with both statements.
Musicians have a wide range of ideas about how to best address the
unauthorized distribution of music online.
In an open-ended question, musicians taking the survey were asked what
they thought would be the best approach to dealing with the unauthorized
music distribution of music online. The responses ranged from “file-sharers
should be prosecuted” to “music should be free”. However,
there were also a number of surprising variations provided by musicians
that signal the complexity of the issues associated with file-sharing.
For example, a surprising number of respondents said that peer-to-peer
file-sharing is not the problem, but that it is a symptom of bigger structural
issues for the major labels. Many respondents suggested that the music
industry needed to recognize the changes that peer-to-peer and digital
entertainment in general have brought to the music industry, and change
its business model to embrace it, instead of fighting it.
Another batch of respondents used this question to talk about the need
for artists to control their own music. While negotiating control over
content is difficult in a digital environment, many artists suggested
that decisions over peer-to-peer file-sharing and digital distribution
should be made by the artist, not the label.
Read an excerpt of the report on musicians’ opinions on how to
deal with online file-sharing, including select quotes from survey respondents
that illustrate the wide range of opinions among musicians and songwriters: http://www.futureofmusic.org/research/musiciansurveyquotes.cfm
FMC sees this report as an essential document that begins to articulate
the real complexity of the issues, and the varied opinions of musicians
on many of these key matters. In the next few weeks, FMC will make
sure that the report’s results are properly disseminated to advocates
and policymakers. And we will continue to insist that musicians
and creators are considered rightful stakeholders in these ongoing debates
and demand that we have a seat at the policymaking table.
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2. FMC files
comments at FCC on localism in broadcasting, reply comments in the works
-------------------------------------------------------
In our last newsletter we reported that the FCC is in the middle of
an important proceeding to investigate localism in radio in the age of
consolidation.
On November 1, FMC filed comments in this proceeding. Specifically,
FMC reminded the FCC that the evolution of radio away from local ownership
has instigated the erosion of all three regulatory goals: competition,
localism, and diversity. We redirected the FCC to our 2002 study “Radio
Deregulation: Has It Served Musicians and Citizens”, which quantified
the transformation of radio ownership and the impact on competition in
local markets.
FMC also informed the FCC that we were committed to maximizing public
participation in the FCC’s policy-making processes, and had created
an online comment tool for this Notice of Inquiry that members of the
music and broadcasting community could use to let the FCC know how they
feel.
We’re glad to announce that over 150 folks used this web tool
to file comments, many of which were thoughtfully crafted and incredibly
illuminating. These comments have been added to the record in this
proceeding.
FMC thanks Just Plain Folks, Garageband.com and AFTRA for spreading
the word to their members and supporters about our online tool. Also
big props to “Rich” who posted a link on Daytonbands.com,
which generated over 800 visits to the form.
Now, the FMC is preparing joint reply comments with AFTRA, AFM, The
Recording Academy and the Recording Artists’ Coalition, which will
be filed before January 3, 2005. In our reply, we will be
referencing and quoting from the experiences and first-hand knowledge
expressed in many of the comments filed via our online comment form by
hundreds of musicians, on air announcers, small broadcasters and citizens
in this proceeding.
-------------------------------------------------------
3.
FCC media concentration
forum scheduled in Twin Cities
-------------------------------------------------------
In related news, FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein
will hold another in their series of local forums on media concentration
on Thursday, December 9 at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. The session
is set for 7-–11:00 PM in the college's Sundin Music Hall.
These forums are a great way for local citizens and musicians to tell
policymakers about their experiences with local radio and other media. If
you’re a musician, songwriter or concerned media consumer in the
Twin Cities area, plan to attend!
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4. Grokster case appealed
to Supreme Court
-------------------------------------------------------
Our last newsletter mentioned that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
decision in MGM v. Grokster, which affirmed that Grokster’s and
Streamcast’s peer to peer file sharing networks do not contributorily
or vicariously infringe the copyrights of the holders of music and movie
copyrights. Unsatisfied with this decision, the RIAA and MPAA submitted
a petition appealing the case to the US Supreme Court.
Since 1984, when the Sony Betamax decision was made, anything that copies
(copy machine, fax, VHS tapes) has been legal, with beneficial consequences
to the content industry. The 9th Circuit Grokster decision upheld this
idea.
The Supreme Court is now deciding whether or not to hear the Grokster
case, and eventually whether to resolve once and for all if P2P companies
can be held liable for copyright infringement.
Many technology companies have filed “friend of the court” briefs,
asking the Supreme Court not to hear the case and to leave the
9th Circuit decision standing. Their primary arguments are 1) the Ninth
Circuit ruled correctly in light of Betamax, 2) it ruled consistently
with other P2P decisions in federal courts, and 3) if copyright law needs
to be adjusted in light of P2P, that task properly falls to Congress.
Content owners, such as record labels, movie studios, and even the NBA,
have also filed “friend of the court” briefs, but they do want
the Supreme Court to hear the case. Their primary arguments are 1) the
Ninth Circuit ruled incorrectly, secondary liability should have been
enforced 2) the Ninth Circuit did not properly analyze the substantial
non-infringing uses doctrine from Sony Betamax, and 3) uniform standards
are needed to decide these cases, and the clarity of Sony Betamax has
diminished in the digital age.
Word on the legal street is that the Supreme Court will announce whether
it will hear this case sometime in December. Stay tuned.
First Deadline Passes for Supreme Court Grokster Case
Lobbying has started
in earnest to the US Supreme Court, which has one last chance to overturn
its 20 year-old principles over P2P, and ban it despite its still relevant
logic that has it that any technology with material, non-infringing uses
is legal.
By Faultline, The Register UK, November 16, 2004 http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/16/supreme_court_grokster_case/
Big Media Asks Supreme Court to Reverse Grokster Decision
The entertainment
industry - Hollywood, for short - is demanding that the US Supreme Court
overturn the Grokster / Morpheus ruling that said p2p networks can't
be held liable for what users do.
By Jon Newton, MP3 Newswire, November
9, 2004 http://www.mp3newswire.net/stories/2004/grokster2.html
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5. Senate passes
watered down internet piracy bill
-------------------------------------------------------
The Senate has passed the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of
2004 (SB3021), a watered down version of the Intellectual Property Protection
Act (HR2391). The original act was a bundle of bills pertaining
to intellectual property issues, some of them hotly contested.
This bundled bill includes (1) the Artists’ Rights and Theft Prevention
Act (S. 1932), which imposes severe penalties on people caught with camcorders
in movie theaters, (2) The Family Movie Act (H.R. 4586), which amends
federal copyright law to create an exemption from copyright infringement
for the act of rendering imperceptible portions of audio or video content
in movies by the owner or authorized copies of such movies in the course
of private home viewing, (3) the National Film Preservation Act of 2004
(based on H.R. 3569), which authorizes a Library of Congress Program
dedicated to saving rare and significant films, and (4) the Preservation
of Orphan Works Act (H.R. 5136), which corrects a drafting error in the
Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, allowing libraries to create
copies of certain works in the last twenty years of their copyright term.
The Senate eliminated controversial measures such as the PIRATE Act
(S.2237) from the bundle, which would have authorized the Justice Department
to file civil actions against copyright infringers. Plus, the INDUCE
Act has been stalled for the time being.
The bill is expected to pass in the House sometime in December.
A Kinder, Gentler Copyright Bill
The Senate passed a scaled-back version
of a controversial copyright bill Saturday, keeping a provision that
imposes severe penalties on people caught with camcorders in movie theaters
but scrapping other provisions that copyright-reform activists had criticized.
By
Katie Dean, Wired News, November 22, 2004 http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65796,00.html
-------------------------------------------------------
6. Infinity Says
No to Independent Radio Promoters
-------------------------------------------------------
Six weeks after some major labels confirmed they have been subpoenaed
by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer for possible payola-like practices,
Infinity Broadcasting announced that it would no longer utilize independent
promoters.
Radio companies are not allowed to take cash or gifts in exchange for
playing specific songs without disclosing the transaction to listeners,
but it has become common for independent promoters to pay radio stations
annual fees, resulting in a once-removed form of payola.
FMC’s 2002 Radio Study exposed independent radio promotion as
a disguised form of payola. In 2003, Clear Channel and Cox Communications
severed ties with independent radio promoters. The more recent
move by Infinity comes as rumors spread of the New York AG’s investigation.
While the elimination of independent promotion arrangements at these
radio conglomerates is a step in the right direction towards eliminating
payola, FMC must reiterate that the corporations’ decisions to
sever these ties does little to protect artists and the public from future
forms of payola. To the contrary, radio companies are now partnering
directly with labels to create in house promotional activities. FMC is
also concerned that other in-kind exchanges may replace independent promotion
and that radio stations will continue to select recordings for play lists
based not on the merits of the recordings but on what the station “receives” in
exchange for playing the song. These in-kind exchanges are more difficult
to track by include a range of possibilities including artists playing
for free or for a reduced rate at concerts promoted by the radio stations,
or playing only at venues owned by the radio station’s parent company
in order to receive a coveted spot on the play list. These new partnerships
may obscure pay-for-play exchanges and temporarily protect the radio
companies from payola allegations, but they do nothing to protect the
public or insure artists’ access to the public airwaves.
Infinity Tightens Pitch Rules
Infinity Broadcasting Corp. on Wednesday banned the independent promotion
of songs at all of its radio stations, marking the broadcast industry's
first reaction to a probe of promotion practices by New York Atty. Gen.
Eliot Spitzer's office.
By Chuck Philips, LA Times, November 18, 2004 http://www.latimes.com/business/custom/admark/la-fi-infinity18nov18,1,1029370.story
Record Labels Said to Be Next on Spitzer List for Scrutiny Eliot Spitzer, the New York State attorney general, is now casting
his eyes on the music industry, particularly its practices for influencing
what songs are heard on the public airwaves.
By Jeff Leeds, New York Times,
October 22, 2004
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/22/business/22music.html
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7. CD Baby
surpasses $10 million in payouts
-------------------------------------------------------
This may be old
news to some, but we’d like to give a hearty congratulations
to Derek Sivers and the entire crew at CD Baby for reaching a new milestone
in late October when they surpassed the $10 million mark in distribution
of money directly to musicians for CDs sold worldwide through their online
store at CDbaby.com.
For musicians, CD Baby one of the best working examples of the efficiencies
and opportunities provided by the internet. CD Baby not only offers
unsigned musicians a simple and reliable way to sell their CDs online,
but it also allows these same musicians entre to some of the best emerging
digital stores including iTunes, Rhapsody, MSN Music, Musicmatch and
more.
Here’s to another $10 million for indie and unsigned artists!
-------------------------------------------------------
8. Garageband.com
strikes deal with MSN Music
-------------------------------------------------------
In November, Garageband.com announced it had inked a deal with Microsoft’s
MSN Music. This partnership on Microsoft’s recently-launched digital
download store will give the thousands of independent musicians who are part
of the Garageband.com community access to the music store. MSN will promote
top-rated artists on the music store, and consumers will be able to download
songs from these artists for free and be directed to the artists’ webpage
for other song purchases.
-------------------------------------------------------
9. Just
Plain Folks Holds Largest Awards Ceremony Yet
-------------------------------------------------------
On November 7, Just Plain Folks hosted its annual Music Awards at the Galaxy
Theater in Santa Ana, CA, and it was the biggest yet! After receiving
over 10,000 albums and 140,000 songs from 85 countries, JP Folks gave out
awards for Best Song in 48 Genres and Best Album in 57 categories.
JP Folks continues to grow and grow, creating opportunities for thousands
of musicians who create great music to interact and appreciate each other’s
work. Congrats to all the winners and to JP Folks for organizing
such an impressive event. http://www.jpfolks.com/home.html
-------------------------------------------------------
10. In the Newsstream
-------------------------------------------------------
As usual, there’s loads of reading in the newsstream. Here are
some of our favorites:
Tweedy Talks Technology
Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy explains that placing their Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
album online for free helped catapult it to gold record status.
In another deal that signals the music industry's increasing willingness
to co-opt rather than crush file-swapping technology, three major record
labels have agreed to distribute songs through a new online service expected
to debut early next year.
By Dawn C. Chmielewski, San Jose Mercury News, November 24, 2004
Universal Music Group is the first major record company to sign a licensing
deal with Shawn Fanning’s new peer-to-peer software company Snocap.
This deal possibly sets the stage for the emergence of major label sanctioned
peer-to-peer services.
By Jonathon Cohen, Billboard.com, November 12, 2004
iTunes aside, Web is changing the music industry In one measure of their success, chart-topping rockers The Darkness
have sold enough song downloads, T-shirts and thongs on their official
Web site to nearly finance their next recording.
By Reuters, October 31,
2004
http://news.com.com/iTunes+aside%2C+Web+is+changing+the+music+industry/2100-1027_3-5433891.html
Musicians call for an update on copyright law Some of Canada's best-known musicians appeared on a different stage
Wednesday -- Parliament Hill -- to band together and lobby politicians
to toughen up Canada's outdated copyright laws.
CTV.ca News Staff, CTV.ca,
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1101331178030_15/?hub=Canada
-------------------------------------------------------
11. What we’re
doing
-------------------------------------------------------
Jenny Toomey Jenny is currently on a leave of absence from FMC,
though is busy working on our strategic plan. She also just received the prize of “Best
Vocal Jazz Album” in the JP Folks Music Awards for her 2003 record “Tempting:
Jenny Toomey sings the songs of Franklin Bruno”.
Kristin Thomson Kristin recently joined three law professors for
a panel discussion on the FCC, broadcast indecency and censorship at
Villanova.law school. On
Sunday, December 12 her band Ken is playing at NYC’s Knitting Factory. The
show is a benefit for a Rock Camp for Girls age 8-18 that folks from
the band Ida are starting in Brooklyn in 2005. It’s $10 to
get in on FREE if you bring an instrument to donate! Details here: http://www.knittingfactory.com/calendar/event_descrip.cfm?event_num=49155&room=1&location=1
Walter McDonough Walter McDonough is still recovering from the historic Red Sox World
Series victory but he was still able to speak recently at a copyright
symposium at Columbia Law School.
-------------------------------------------------------
12. How are we doing? -------------------------------------------------------
The “what we’re doing” section will return next month.
You can always send an email to suggestions@futureofmusic.org with your
comments.
Thanks as always,
Jenny Toomey
Michael Bracy
Walter McDonough
Brian Zisk
Kristin Thomson
Peter DiCola
Wendy Harman
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
