CONTACT
Justin Jouvenal
Communications Director
Future of Music Coalition
www.futureofmusic.org justin@futureofmusic.org
p: 202-822-2051
c: 415-867-1507
May 2 event will bring together CEA, Microsoft, BMI, Pandora, XM Radio,
U.S. Copyright Office, Media Access Project and other leading experts
to discuss critical issues facing the music industry
WASHINGTON, DC - Top names from the fields of music, law, technology and policy will gather in Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 to discuss how technology is rapidly reshaping the music industry. The event is sponsored by the Future of Music Coalition and the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS).
The “Music, Technology and IP Policy Day” will feature robust and balanced discussions on issues that have grabbed headlines recently such as the upheaval in satellite and terrestrial radio, the battle over net neutrality, and the ongoing challenges of licensing music for the global digital platform. Noted experts will provide the context and analysis necessary to understand what these issues mean, and how the courts, Congress and the Copyright Office might deal with them this year.
The all-day event (http://www.futureofmusic.org/events/dcpolicyday07/index.cfm) will feature three panel discussions and keynote addresses by policymakers, including David Carson, a top U.S. Copyright Office official. It will take place at the Center for American Progress at 1333 H Street NW, Washington, D.C.
“There has never been a more important time to discuss the intersection of technology and music,” said Jenny Toomey, executive director of the Future of Music Coalition. “The decisions made on a host of issues from satellite radio to net neutrality will reverberate through the music industry for years to come.”
Panelists will include CEA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Michael Petricone, BMI’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations Fred Cannon, Microsoft’s Senior Copyright Attorney Jule Sigall, Pandora CEO Joe Kennedy, political blogger Atrios, AFM counsel Patricia Polach and R.E.M. advisor Bertis Downs, among others. To register for media credentials, please go to the media section of the Policy Day website at http://www.futureofmusic.org/events/policyday07/press.cfm.
According to ACS Executive Director Lisa Brown, "These emerging issues present some of the most potentially influential policy choices of the next generation. For instance, the boundaries of intellectual property rights over digital content such as music, and whether technology companies will gain the power to allow differential access to the Internet, are issues whose importance will only grow in future years."
Since 2001, FMC has organized five Policy Summits and one Policy Day in Washington, DC. Each event has brought together a spectacular mixture of technologists, attorneys, musicians, managers and industry leaders for discussions about the most compelling music/technology/policy matters. In October 2006, FMC held its sixth annual Policy Summit in Montreal, Quebec in partnership with McGill University's Schulich School of Music and Pop Montreal where, over the course of three days, 120 panelists and 550 participants debated issues that are emerging as music promotion and distribution moves to a global, digital platform.
Radio Waves
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
In the past 10 years, satellite and Internet radio have grown from basement hobbies to legitimate platforms for the delivery of music and news. But this growth has also brought new challenges, ranging from debates about content protection, to the public performance right, to how to manage the transition to HD radio. The attention to the issues has only increased recently, with webcasters negotiating with the Copyright Royalty Board over royalty rates, and XM and Sirius proposing a merger. Representatives from satellite and internet radio will join with artist and label representatives for a discussion about the challenges for both old and new radio platforms, and solutions that would benefit both technologists and the music community.
The Net Effect
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Congress is considering a series of bills designed to revise the telecommunications regulatory framework. One of the most heated debates surrounds the principle of network neutrality. Is this a solution in search of a problem, or do we need the government and the FCC to enforce rules that would preserve the open nature of the Internet? This panel brings together advocates for both positions with internet based music service providers and policymakers to discuss the real world impact of net neutrality on musicians, labels and the public at large.
Stocking the Celestial Jukebox
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
For music fans, there are more choices than ever when it comes to discovering, listening to and purchasing music. There are stores like iTunes and eMusic, subscription services like Rhapsody and Napster. There are webcast stations, satellite radio, MP3 blogs and the ubiquitous MySpace. Despite the emergence of many models, challenges remain in the space, especially related to artist compensation and licensing parity among different platforms. What would make it easier for music services to license music, for consumers to access music, and for musicians, songwriters, and others in the content community to be paid? Experts from the music, technology and legal communities will discuss Section 115 reform, orphan works and other intellectual property issues.
About the Future of Music Coalition
Future of Music Coalition is a national non-profit education, research and advocacy organization that identifies, examines, interprets and translates the challenging issues at the intersection of music, law, technology and policy. FMC achieves this through continuous interaction with its primary constituency - musicians - and in collaboration with other creator/citizen groups.
About American Constitution Society for Law and Policy
The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) is one of the nation's leading progressive legal organizations. Founded in 2001, ACS is a rapidly growing network of lawyers, law students, scholars, judges, policymakers and other concerned individuals. ACS's mission is to ensure that fundamental principles of human dignity, individual rights and liberties, genuine equality, and access to justice enjoy their rightful, central place in American law.
ACS aims to revitalize and transform the legal and policy debates occurring in law school classrooms, federal and state courtrooms, legislative hearing rooms and the media. ACS has student and lawyer chapters all across the country, and hosts programs and projects at both the national and local level.
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
