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January 8, 2007
January is a busy month for FMC. In the first couple of weeks you'll find us in New York at the national conferences for the International Association for Jazz Education and Chamber Music America, and also in Memphis at the National Conference for Media Reform. Then, from January 19-23 we'll be back in the Big Apple for the 50th Annual Arts Presenters Conference.
1. Radio Study Makes Headlines in Press and Heads Turn at NAB
2. AT&T Merger Concession Includes Provisions on Net Neutrality
3. FMC Hits New York City for IAJE and CMA Conferences
4. FMC Heads to Memphis for Conference on Media Reform
5. FMC Curates Track at 50th Annual Arts Presenters Conference
6. FMC Adds Three New Board Members
1. FMC Radio Study Makes Headlines in Press and Heads Turn at NAB
On December 13, FMC released a 152-page, fully-footnoted report called "False Premises, False Promises:A Quantitative History of Ownership Consolidation in the Radio Industry". Data in the report shows that station ownership consolidation at the national and local levels has led to fewer choices in radio programming and harmed the listening public and those working in the music and media industries, including DJs, programmers and musicians.
The report's release generated loads of press and blog mentions, some of which we've linked to below. It also led the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) to distribute a pre-emptive press release that called our research "questionable" and filled with "dubious data". http://www.futureofmusic.org/research/radiostudy06nab.cfm
We were not surprised to see this press release; this was the same tactic that the NAB used in an attempt to discredit the validity of our 2002 study, Radio Deregulation: Has It Served Citizens and Musicians? - a report that has been cited over 500 times in the press, quoted in the FCC's 2004 Report and Order, and in the decision rendered by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Prometheus v. FCC.
In the rebuttal, Peter DiCola, FMC's Research Director and the report's author, methodically points out the evidence contained in the report that countervails the NAB's claims. Specifically:
The NAB said that format diversity has continued to grow. FMC's report shows that the NAB continues to use a faulty methodology to count format variety – a methodology that would treat a station that played the Rock/Classical/Jazz as totally and completely different from a station that played Rock/Jazz/Classical. FMC’s report, on the other hand, breaks these formats into their component parts and weights them accordingly.
The NAB said that we had not recognized growth in Spanish and Asian-language format stations. FMC's report does indeed recognize the growth of certain genres of radio, but also shows that, as a percentage of airtime, it's much more likely that this type of programming is offered by small station groups as opposed to large station groups. In fact, 89 percent of Spanish-format programming is offered by small station groups (i.e. those strictly below the cap), and 75 percent of programming in the Asian, Korean, or Japanese formats is offered by small station groups.
If the NAB or its representatives have questions about our research or would dispute our conclusions, we would be glad to debate them publicly, as we always have been. But we can say that, based on our careful and thorough analysis of industry data, we have many reasons for concern about the effects of radio consolidation. Our new study, False Premises, False Promises documents them in detail.
2. AT&T Merger Concession Includes Provisions on Net Neutrality
For months, the FCC commissioners have been deadlocked over whether to give the green light to the AT&T and BellSouth merger, a deal valued at over $86 billion. Finally, on December 29, the FCC announced that it would approve the merger, but with an important condition attached. AT&T agreed that, for 30 months after the merger's closure, it would not provide or sell "any service that privileges, degrades or prioritizes any packet" transmitted over its pipes based on its "source, ownership or destination."
In other words, AT&T agreed to a basic set of principles that establish a practical implementation of network neutrality.
Advocates instantly recognized this as an important development in the fight to preserve network neutrality. The language in this agreement can serve as an initial definition of network neutrality in the policymaking arena, and give members of Congress and regulators a template for future legislation.
It's also telling that this language came out of an agreement with AT&T, whose CEO Ed Whitacre has been a vocal critic of network neutrality. In 2005 he famously said:
"Now what they [Google, Vonage, MSN, etc] would like to do is use my pipes free, but I ain't going to let them do that because we have spent this capital and we have to have a return on it. So there's going to have to be some mechanism for these people who use these pipes to pay for the portion they're using. Why should they be allowed to use my pipes?" (Business Week, November 7, 2005)
FMC remains committed to advocating for network neutrality. In 2006 we wrote two pieces that articulated the value of net neutrality for artists and indie labels. Re-read them here:
3. FMC Hits New York City for IAJE and CMA Conferences, January 10-14
From January 10-13, 2007, the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) returns to New York City for its 34th Annual Conference, the largest annual gathering of the global jazz community. Upwards of 8,000 educators, musicians, industry executives, media and students from 45 countries are slated to attend.
On Thursday January 11, FMC representatives will join two IAJE panels at the Hilton New York (1335 Avenue of the Americas). In the morning, FMC Executive Director Jenny Toomey will talk about "Jazz Radio in Crisis: Why It's a Good Thing" while, across the hall, Deputy Director Kristin Thomson will join the discussion on "Getting Paid in the Digital Age".
At the same time a few blocks away, FMC Outreach Director Jean Cook will be curating a full day seminar at Chamber Music America's 29th National Conference at the Westin Times Square.
On Thursday, January 11, Jean will lead a pre-conference seminar in partnership with CMA called "Digital Marketing Primer", designed to help artists navigate the rich and varied cultural options available on the internet - from MySpace to Rhapsody to Live365 - and offering a practical approach to improving, establishing, and increasing your presence online and off. On Sunday January 14, Jean will finish her time at CMA with a panel discussion on "Leading in the Digital Age".
4. FMC Heads to Memphis for Conference on Media Reform
On the heels of the release of our study "False Premises, False Promises: A Quantitative History of Ownership Consolidation in the Radio Industry", FMC representatives will join thousands of activists, media makers, educators, journalists, policymakers and concerned citizens in Memphis to mobilize for better media.
On the afternoon of Friday, January 12, FMC's Jenny Toomey will join advocates from Common Cause, Free Press, PennPIRG and Reclaim the Media for a session called "Winning on the Ground: Strategies for Stopping Big Media". Jenny will talk about how quantitative research can inform and influence the policymaking process, among other things.
On Saturday afternoon, January 13, FMC Policy Director Michael Bracy will take part in "Running Effective Congressional Advocacy Campaigns: What it Takes to Win".
Conference registration is now closed but we hope to see many of you during our stay in Memphis. Full conference schedule
5. FMC Curates Track at 50th Annual Arts Presenters Conference
From January 19-23, 2007, FMC will partner once again with the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) on their 50th Annual Conference, "Presenting America: Perspectives and Dialogue," taking place at the Hilton New York.
This year, FMC is curating a technology track called "Creating Culture", which includes four sessions on technology and business. In conjunction with this track, we've organized a "Creating Culture" blog, chock full of online tools and resources used by web savvy professionals from all areas of the performing arts field, from Flickr, YouTube, and Surveymonkey to MySpace, online listservs, storage, and RSS. The blog launches later in January but you can see it in progress here http://apapcreatingculture.blogspot.com/
For more information on the blog or "Creating Culture" at APAP 2007, email our Outreach Director Jean Cook at jean@futureofmusic.org
6. FMC Adds Three New Board Members
FMC is proud to announce three stellar additions to our hardworking Board of Directors in 2007.
We are thrilled that long time friend and advisory board member, Derek Sivers, is joining the board of directors. Most people already know Derek as the president and programmer of the amazing CD Baby - an artist based portal that represents the true power of the internet to help independent voices be heard, and for artists to be fairly compensated for their work.
We also welcome Kristen Grimm to the board. Kristen is president of Spitfire Strategies, a communications firm that helps social change organizations use their voice in a strong, clear and compelling way to articulate their vision of a better world. Kristen has already been immensely helpful in helping us understand how to turn our ideas into action. She will be an invaluable voice on the board of directors.
Peter DiCola is also joining the board. Peter has been FMC's Research Director since 2005, but will be leaving this position in February 2007 to finish his Ph.D. and then begin a federal court of appeals clerkship. We are so proud of Peter's work as our Research Director, and are thankful that he is able to continue his relationship with the organization as he moves forward. You can learn more our board, advisory board and staff here
7. Thanks!
A quick thanks to all those who gave so generously at the end of 2006. Your financial contributions are most appreciated. And even though it's a new calendar year, donations still help, and are still tax deductible. Log on here to give.
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
