ARTIST GROUPS INSIST PUBLIC VOICES BE HEARD
ON PROPOSED MEDIA OWNERSHIP RULE CHANGES
WASHINGTON -In a letter sent
today, a diverse group of over thirty recording artists urged FCC Chairman
Michael Powell to grant Congress and the public a full opportunity to
review any proposed changes of media ownership rules before they are enacted.
The letter cites four published reports containing empirical evidence
that media ownership rules are necessary. The letter also suggests there
is overwhelming proof that the public wants limits held in place. Empirical
evidence is the standard the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit requires
the FCC to meet in showing the existing rules are necessary.
“I am pleased to join dozens of my fellow musicians who are calling
for a more open policy process,” said Eagles songwriter and recording
artist Don Henley. “As artists, we recognize the important role that
radio and other media play in the vitality of the American culture. It
is outrageous that many citizens are not even aware these changes are
being debated. To a large extent, this is because the FCC leadership has
not fully engaged the public. But what frightens me more is the complete
absence of any network coverage of this issue. The broadcast interests
who clearly stand to benefit from further consolidation have seemingly
absolved themselves of their responsibility to cover this proceeding as
a news story. If this is the sort of biased coverage we get now, I can’t
imagine what will pass as journalism in the next phase of our increasingly
consolidated media future.”
The letter cites a study by
the Future of Music Coalition, which provides compelling evidence that
radio consolidation has resulted in reduced marketplace competition, reduced
programming diversity and the homogenization of playlists, reduced public
access to the airwaves for local programming, and reduced public satisfaction
with listening options.
“There are clear lessons from the dramatic consolidation of ownership
in the radio industry following the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and
how it has impacted the historic goals of localism, competition and diversity.
It is less clear whether all the FCC Commissioners are interested in exploring
what those lessons are,” said Ann Chaitovitz, Director of Sound Recordings
at The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).
The letter also cites a December 2002 Center for Economic and Policy
Research and Department for Professional Employees/AFL-CIO critique
of twelve studies commissioned by the FCC to examine media ownership
issues. The report raised serious questions about the impact of concentration
on diversity of news and entertainment and indicated that there is little
basis for believing that substitution between types of media will offset
any negative effects from concentration in a specific medium.
“The media rules under debate at the FCC determine how citizens
receive their news, information and entertainment,” said Michael
Bracy, Director of Government Relations, Future of Music Coalition. “It’s
critical for the continued health of our democracy that there be full
public debate about the potential impact of these rules.”
In the letter, the artists also mention the lack of participation by
Chairman Powell and Commissioners Abernathy and Martin in field hearings
designed to increase public participation and comments on proposed rule
changes. “I have attended field hearings in New York, Richmond, Durham,
and Seattle, and I have heard testimony from hundreds of citizens who
are concerned about the direction the FCC is heading,” said Jenny
Toomey, Executive Director, Future of Music Coalition. “I have read
through thousands of public comments in the FCC docket. The overwhelming
majority of those who have come forward urge Chairman Powell to maintain
the existing cross ownership caps. It is abundantly clear that the only
supporters of this fast-track deregulation are the very corporations who
will benefit financially from further consolidation. If the FCC has any
clear mandate it is to protect the public interest from these private
interests.”
Signing on to the letter were: Carmine Appice, Jackson Browne, Jimmy
Buffett, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, John Doe, Don Henley, Indigo Girls
(Amy Ray and Emily Saliers), Billy Joel, Lenny Kaye, Toby Keith, Ian MacKaye,
Ray Manzarek, Ellis L. Marsalis, Jr., Mya, Tim McGraw, Paul D. Miller,
Sam Moore, Thurston Moore, Stevie Nicks, Joan Osborne, Van Dyke Parks,
Pearl Jam, Sandy Pearlman, Tom Petty, Bonnie Raitt, Kevin Richardson,
Patti Smith, Stephan Smith, Michael Stipe, Tom Waits, Jennifer Warnes,
Saul Williams, and Nancy Wilson.
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August 5, 2008 Press release | Event Page
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
