Digital entertainment companies rushed to create new businesses in
the Internet economy -- oftentimes without consulting the content
owners. The fallout from the two-year land grab has led to litigation,
leg-islation, and a lot of bad feelings. With the litigation era winding
down, what comes next? How do these cases effect copyright law and
will these legislative and legal precedents impact musicians' ability
to be compensated on the web?
The term "starving artist" is a cultural cliche. But is the traditional
model where labels invest in artists the best for artists? Some argue
that artists are better served the more they stand on their own. We'll
look at the strengths and weaknesses of traditional models including
the major label system and the profit split to examine what we can
take from these traditional models to help artists thrive.
Panel 3: Digital Millennium Copyright Act: Oh, What a Tangled
Web We've Weaved
Moderated by Whitney
Broussard, Selverne, Mandelbaum & Mintz watch
webcast archive
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act was ostensibly passed to provide
clarification regarding the conflict-ing rights of copyright owners
and online service providers. Now that we have the benefit of a few
years of practical experience we'll re-examine this document to see
if it has fulfilled its promise.
Panel 4: Open and/or Closed: The Future of Technology
Moderated by Brian Zisk,
Director of Technology, FMC watch
webcast archive
Will the software and protocols used to distribute, share, and (attempts
to) control music be Open Source or/and Proprietary, and what advantages
are there to each of these options?
Panel 5: Encryption & Watermarking Technologies: Will the
Future be Secure?
Moderated by Eric Scheirer,
Forrester Research watch
webcast archive
Many content owners and hardware and software manufacturers have
held encryption and watermarking up as the Holy Grail -- a means to
limit the transfer of digital files with secure methods. Members of
SDMI (Secure Music Digital Initiative) hoped that technologies could
secure digital business models that would maintain the pay per unit
form of the traditional music industry. Earlier this fall the majority
of the SDMI watermarks were hacked, raising questions about the viability
of an encrypted business model.
Late in the fall of 1999, Congress inserted four words into the Copyright
Act. This amendment was short, but had far reaching and adverse effects
on the future incomes of many recording artists. The event drew comment
from all corners of the music community and ultimately resulted in
the removal of the contro-versial language. What happened? Who was
responsible? How did it impact artists' rights and is this a model
for future music activism?
Jay Cooper, Manatt,
Phelps & Phillips Randy Frisch, LoveCat
Music Publishing Ken Hertz, Hansen,
Jacobson, Teller & Hoberman Debra K. Rose, Counsel
to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property, House Judiciary
Committee Jay Rosenthal,
Recording Artists Coalition / Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe, LLP Cary H. Sherman,
General Counsel, RIAA
Thursday, January 11: Looking to the Future of Music
8:00 - 9:00
Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 9:15
Welcome by Martin
IrvineDirector, Georgetown University's CCT Program
Panel 7: Monetizing the Ether: Disintermediating the Holy Grail
Moderated by Alec Foege,
author and journalist watch
webcast archive
The Internet has been characterized as a tool with which to level
the unfair playing field of the music business? How are artists using
the web? What works for them? What worries them? Where are they going?
Panel 8: Who Should Collect the Digital Royalty?
Moderated by Ric Dube,
Webnoize
At least three outfits have stepped up to collect webcast royalties,
but could all of them be right for the job? Artists and labels want
someone who'll pay dependably and frequently, webcasters need the
most accurate counts possible so that they don't pay for plays that
never happened. All involved parties would also like a collection
agent that could negotiate the best possible royalty rate (artists
and labels want it high, webcasters want it low). Who are the potential
collection agents, and can they really offer all that's necessary?
Panel 9: After the MP3.com and Napster Settlements; Where Do We
Go From Here?
Moderated by Walter
McDonough, Attorney
A discussion of the important legal issues that will dominate the
dialogue besides copyright infringement. What are the privacy, security
and artist compensation issues surrounding the implementation of the
Napster/ BMG alliance and, more importantly, how will the artists
be paid?
Panel 10: Fair Use and Intellectual Property Law
Moderated by Robin Gross,
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Intellectual property law and fair use present new challenges in
the digital age to both artists and the public. Copyright holders'
imposition of "digital locks" on music, together with new copyright
legislation, will have a profound impact on freedom of expression
and fair use. The ease with which infor-mation can be copied and distributed
online will hinder copyright holders' ability to control their works.
What legislative changes are needed to restore balance to the copyright
bargain and ensure that the rights of artists, consumers, and labels
are all respected?
Panel 11: Into the Crystal Ball: Emerging Issues in Telecommunications
Regulation and Legislation
Moderated by Michael Bracy,
Bracy Williams & Company
Leading telecommunications analysts project what issues the new administration
and Congress will be tackling in 2001, including 1) impact of new
chairs in House/Senate; 2) direction of the FCC / FCC reform; and
3) timing of reopening the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
D. Linda Garcia,
Director for Academic Affairs, Georgetown University's Communication,
Culture and Technology Program Andy Schwartzman,
Media Access Project Kathy Wallman, Wallman
Strategic Consulting Bill Whyman, Precursor
Group
Without the support of these event sponsors, the summit would
not have been possible.
Browse through a list of distinguished panelists who attended this event
- including representatives from ASCAP, BMI, the EFF, EMI, the FCC,
Grand Royal Records, the U.S. Copyright Office, MP3.com, the RIAA,
the Recording Artist Coalition, Listen.com, SDMI, Forrester Research,
Harvard University School of Law, U.C. Berkeley School of IMS, Princeton
University, Icecast, Intel, NGA, DiMA, and many more. See the panelist
bio page for background and contact information for the panelists.
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
