FMC's research projects
lead us to a better
understanding about
the positions of artists
and musicians in the
music/technology environment,
and the larger implications
on citizens' rights.
Same Old
Song: An Analysis
of Radio Playlists
in a Post-FCC Consent
Decree World New York State Edition
By Kristin Thomson,
Education Director,
Future of Music Coalition
June 30, 2009
In a data-driven report, FMC
examines radio playlist data
from 2005-2008 for 52 music
stations operating in New
York State to determine whether
the ratio of major label to
non-major label airplay has
changed over the past four
years. The report finds almost
no measurable change in playlist
composition. While this may
lead some to conclude that
payola is alive and well,
and that the Spitzer and FCC
agreements were ineffective,
the report instead views these
results through the a broader
lens, using the data to describe
the state of radio thirteen
years after the passage of
the 1996 Telecommunications
Act. The playlist data analysis
underscores how radio’s
long-standing relationships
with major labels, its status
quo programming practices
and the permissive regulatory
structure all work together
to create an environment in
which songs from major label
artists continue to dominate.
Same Old Song: An
Analysis of Radio
Playlists in a Post-FCC
Consent Decree World
By Kristin Thomson,
Education Director,
Future of Music Coalition
April 29, 2009
In a data-driven report,
FMC examines radio
playlist data from
2005-2008 for national
playlists as well
as seven distinct
formats
to determine whether
the ratio of major
label to non-major
label airplay has
changed over the past
four years. The report
finds almost no measurable
change in playlist
composition, and no
increased access for
independent labels
and artists at stations
whose owners were
party to the 2007
FCC consent decrees
and the voluntary
indie set-aside. While
this may lead some
to conclude that payola
is alive and well,
and that the Spitzer
and FCC agreements
were ineffective,
the report instead
views these results
through the a broader
lens, using the
data to describe the
state of radio thirteen
years after the passage
of the 1996 Telecommunications
Act. The playlist
data analysis underscores
how radio’s
long-standing relationships
with major labels,
its status quo programming
practices and the
permissive regulatory
structure all work
together to create
an environment in
which songs from major
label artists continue
to dominate.
More Static: Independent Labels and Commercial Airplay 18 Months After the FCC Consent Decree and the "Rules of Engagement"
By Justin Jouvenal for Future of Music Coalition and American Association of Independent Music
October 20, 2008
This survey of A2IM label members conducted by investigative journalist Justin Jouvenal finds that indie labels are still having difficulty getting airplay on commercial radio. The report reveals near-unanimous sentiment among label owners: little has changed over the last year and a half, with 92 percent of label respondents describing their relationship to commercial radio as “the same” as before the Consent Decree and Voluntary Agreements.
Change That Tune: A Payola Education Guide for Musicians and Citizens
By Adam Marcus for Future of Music Coalition and American Association of Independent Music
June 12, 2008
The Payola Education Guide briefly looks at the history of payola, the development of the "indie promoter" system, the investigations by the New York State Attorney General and the FCC from 2003-2007, and the contents of the "Rules of Engagement" signed by the four largest radio companies to provide context of what it means for musicians and independent labels, and how artists are interacting with radio in the 21st century.
False Premises, False Promises: A Quantitative History of Ownership Consolidation in the Radio Industry
By Peter DiCola, Research Director, Future of Music Coalition
December 13, 2006
Data in this 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.
Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidation
By Peter DiCola, Research Director, Future of Music Coalition
August 9, 2006
Using data from the Occupational Employment Survey of the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics, FMC Research Director Peter DiCola examines the
effects of radio consolidation on employment and wages for radio announcers,
news reporters, and broadcast technicians. The report finds that,
comparing figures across metropolitan areas, an increase in the number
of stations per owner within a metropolitan area was associated with
both lower employment levels and lower wages during the years 1996 to
2003. The study also shows that the job losses in radio impede
federal policy mandates to promote localism and diversity in media. Press
Release | Report
[30 page PDF]
FMC and Pew Internet & American
Life Project Use Online Survey to Gauge Musicians' Opinions about
Music and the Internet
In Spring 2004, Future of Music Coalition began working in partnership
with the Pew Internet & American Life Project and an array of other
musician-based organizations to design a balanced survey that would give
musicians, performers and songwriters a chance to speak up about the
Internet, file-sharing, and copyright issues.
FMC Analysis of Public Comments Filed in FCC Docket 02-277 -- the
Broadcast Ownership Proceeding May 14, 2003
In May 2003, FMC conducted
an analysis of the
public comments filed
at the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) on
Docket 02-277 --
the Broadcast Ownership
proceeding. Over a
two week period,
two dozen volunteers
collaborated with
the FMC to analyze
approximately 9360
comments viewable
on the FCC website
at http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi,
coding each comment
as "opposing
changes", "supporting
changes" or "unknown/neutral".
Radio Deregulation: Has It Served Citizens and Musicians?
By Peter DiCola and
Kristin Thomson
November 18, 2002
FMC's landmark report
documenting the effects
of radio station ownership
consolidation on musicians
and the public. This
comprehensive analysis
was conducted in partnership
with Media Access
Project and funded
by a grant from the
Rockefeller Foundation.
In November 2001, the Future of Music Coalition launched its health insurance
research initiative exploring musicians’
access to affordable health care and health insurance in America.
2002: Online Survey
An online survey where, from March 15 – July 15, 2002, musicians
answered various questions about their knowledge of and experiences
with health insurance. The survey was completed by over 2,700
musicians. Read survey analysis here.
We believe this research will provide, at minimum,
a necessary benchmark for artists, healthcare professionals and the policy
community regarding the healthcare issues encountered by musicians. Furthermore,
the FMC expects that this initiative will also serve as a catalyst in
the musician community, inspiring debate about this fundamental issue
and engaging stakeholders to create effective and affordable health insurance
solutions for musicians
FMC Releases
New York State Edition
of "Same Old
Song: An Analysis
of Radio Playlists
in a Post-FCC Consent
Decree World"
Data-driven report examines
radio playlists in New York
State from 2005-2008 and finds
almost no measurable change
in playlist composition.
June 30, 2009 Press
Release | Report
"I Support Community Radio" Artist
Video Campaign
Musicians talk about what good local radio means to them.
July 10, 2009 Project Page | Press
Release
"Musicians Bringing Musicians Home V"
All-star Tipitina's concert on May 22, 2009 benefits Big Easy musicians and Sweet Home New Orleans.
May 7, 2009 Press Release
FMC Releases "Same
Old Song: An Analysis
of Radio Playlists
in a Post-FCC Consent
Decree World"
Data-driven report examines
radio playlists from 2005-2008
and finds almost no measurable
change in playlist composition.
April 29, 2009 Press
Release | Report
Low Power FM Briefing Brought Diverse Voices Together for Community Radio Advocates
for LPFM gathered
at our nation’s
capital to promote
the importance of
local community radio
in more American towns
and cities. April 24, 2009 Press release
FMC
Honors Departing Executive Director Ann Chaitovitz
Chaitovitz’s tenure brought unambiguous artist focus to FMC’s
work in education,
research and advocacy
for musicians.
April 7, 2009 Press
release
D.C. Policy Day 2009 Event featured lively discussion between artists, advocates, music industry insiders, policymakers and technologists.
February 12, 2009 Press release | Event site
"Musicians Bringing Musicians Home IV" New Orleans Benefit Concert
Show is the culmination of FMC and Air Traffic Control's annual three-day Artist Activism Camp.
November 19, 2008 Press Release
FMC Analysis: Election Impact on Artists and the Music Community
There are many indicators that a new Adminstration will create conditions for more art and culture-friendly policy; FMC identifies key areas for improvement.
November 5, 2008 Analysis | PDF
FMC Statement on the FCC's White Spaces Vote
Musicians will benefit from White Spaces — those unoccupied frequencies in the existing TV spectrum — given careful implementation of new "smart" devices.
November 4, 2008 Statement
FMC and realizePhiladelphia present web.illish.us
Multi-faceted web and live shows raise awareness about net neutrality and democratic access to the media.
October 29, 2008 Press release | Event page | Main site
A2IM and FMC Report on Independent Music and Commerical Airplay
In-depth survey finds little has changed 18 months after FCC Consent Decree and "voluntary agreements."
October 22, 2008 Press release | Report
FMC Statement on CRB Rulings Rate-setting for mechanical royalties for physical and digital music should songwriters; encourage new business models.
October 3, 2008 Press release
FMC Reveals Programming for Fall Events Fall 2008 "What's the Future for Musicians?" seminars in New York and Chicago; Sampling and Fair Use Panel in NYC.
September 9, 2008 Press release | Event Page
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
