In October 2009, the Federal Communications Commission announced that it was accepting public comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) about Network Neutrality and the Open Internet .
The FCC is seeking public input on draft rules that would codify and supplement existing principles to safeguard the Internet’s openness. This process is intended to secure and protect the many economic and social benefits of the open Internet by preventing anyone from restricting the free flow of lawful content and applications online.
FMC has built an online tool to help musicians, composers and songwriters file public comments in this proceeding.
FMC and net neutralityFMC has been working on this issue through our Rock the Net campaign since 2007. FMC has long advocated for policies that help artists reach potential audiences without the bottlenecks and gatekeepers so common to the original music industry. Our support of Net Neutrality reflects an ongoing commitment to a legitimate digital music marketplace where artists have access and fans can find the music they want. Now is the time!With a new FCC in place – and a majority of commissioners in favor of codifying the net neutrality principles – musicians and the public have a remarkable opportunity to to play a part in achieving public policy that serves their interests. How you can participateLook, we know this policy stuff isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve built an online form to help musicians, composers, songwriters and indie record label owners like yourself file a public comment in the FCC’s Net Neutrality/Preserving an Open Internet proceeding. The form has nine text boxes, each with explanatory text that match some of the many questions that the FCC is asking of the public in this NPRM. All you have to do is type your own thoughts into each box, and hit “save”. We’ll make sure that it’s filed at the FCC in the proper proceeding. Some pointers:
Okay, now let’s get to it! Click here to go to our Comment Tool. FMC Comment Tool in the NewsR.E.M.: Everybody Hurts (without network neutrality) Future Of Music Coalition Collects Net-Neutrality Comments Crossover bands hit FCC with net neutrality letters Music Industry Group Creates Net Neutrality Website: |
Read Comments filed by Bands and PerformersNearly a dozen working bands and musicians are filing comments in this proceeding, each explaining in their own terms how they rely on an open internet. We encourage you to read any of these to get a sense of how musicians are articulating their position.
Worth WatchingDamian Kulash from the band OK Go testifying in front of House Commerce Committee, March 2008
FMC’s Interim Director and violinist Jean Cook testifying in front of New York City Council on net neutrality, November 2009 Composer Alex Shapiro’s testimony in front of the FCC on the importance of broadband deployment, especially in rural areas, September 2009 Articles and InterviewsThe Internet Must Not Become a Segregated Community by Maklia Cyril, December 2009 Music On Our Terms Net Neutrality and Urban Music by Eric K. Arnold, October 2008 Ensemble Digital: The Kronos Quartet’s Sidney Chen on the Open Internet August 2008 Untangling Net Neutrality: One Music Advocate’s Perspective by Jean Cook, August 2007 Op Ed: Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality The Hill, July 2006 |
Learn More about the IssueFMC’s Net Neutrality Fact Sheet |
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