Future
of Music Coalition on Preserving the Dynamism of the
Internet
Opinion by Michael Bracy and Jenny Toomey of the Future
of Music Coalition, an organization pressing Congress to halt the
efforts to redefine the fundamental structures of the Internet. http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2138687&page=1
June 29, 2006
On June 28, by an 11-11 vote, the Senate
Commerce Committee failed to approve an amendment that would have
ensured that strong network neutrality provisions were part of the
Telecommunications Reform Act that may now go to the Senate floor.
This is a stinging defeat for media and technology policy activists
who understand what is at stake: telephone and cable industries want
to change the fundamental organizing principles of the Internet.
The vote makes the Future of Music Coalition think of the old adage, those who
don't know their history are doomed to repeat it. The Future of Music Coalition
(FMC) was created in 2000 because traditional structures for producing, promoting,
and selling music basically did not serve musicians and fans. Unfair record contracts,
rampant consolidation of record labels and radio stations, and the questionable
business practice of payola led to a dysfunctional structure where signed artists
were subject to lopsided deals and unsigned artists were locked out of the major
distribution and promotion channels. Because of this artificial scarcity and
control, the vast majority of working musicians labored in poverty, while fans
were presented with narrowly tailored radio playlists and a handful of videos
on high rotation. These videos and playlists were crafted by major record labels
in collusion with consolidated commercial radio and cable music television channels.
By the time FMC started, the traditional vehicle providing access to the
music market, local radio, had imploded. 1n 1996, Congress tried to meet
the needs of radio broadcasters in much the same way that they are trying
to accommodate the telecommunications industry today. The result was a historic
transformation of the industry where massive consolidation gutted the traditional
regulatory principles of localism, competition and diversity. The effort
to appease broadcasters, who complained of harmful competitive forces and
the urgent need to take advantage of "economies of scale," backfired.
While a handful of radio station conglomerates profited, the era of radio
deregulation has resulted in fewer owners, fewer listeners, cookie-cutter
playlists, and a widespread payola scandal.
Commercial radio has been allowed to self-destruct, thanks to a lack of reasonable
regulation and an obsession with seeing a return on investment. This is exactly
the same future we see if Congress allows cable and telephone companies to manage
a tiered Internet.
At the heart of the recent debate is the basic question of "network neutrality." While
this may be a new and unfamiliar phrase to many, it codifies a core concept
that has existed since the creation of the Internet. For years, FMC has argued
that technological innovation will trump spectrum scarcity, as long as government
doesn't move in to shelter old business models with industry specific regulations.
Without clear network neutrality provisions, the Internet as we know it runs
the risk of being transformed into a proprietary high speed data network
controlled by a few phone companies, cable companies and wireless providers.
Essentially, what happened to radio could happen to the Internet.
The telecommunications industry and their shameless fake consumer groups
are telling Congress and consumers that this is a debate between AT&T/Verizon/Comcast
and Google/Microsoft/Yahoo. This mischaracterization is as insulting as it
is misleading. This is a debate about the future of our democracy and our
culture.
For the music community, the last five years have seen a remarkable transformation
to a legitimate digital music economy. Artists are using new technologies to
create, market and distribute their works it in ways never before possible. Consumers
have had the unprecedented ability to discover and enjoy music, using a wide
range of devices and platforms. Innovators responded to the new marketplace by
developing new services and business models, including subscription services,
digital download stores, webcast stations, music blogs and social networking
communities. The Internet has given many people the opportunity to not only engage
in the music marketplace, but to completely reconfigure it into something dynamic
and diverse.
The success of the digital music transformation is rooted in the idea that artists
should be able to make their work available to potential fans via platforms of
their choosing, while consumers should have the right to access any legal content
via platforms of their choice. When telephone companies and cable companies request
permission to put a price tag on access to their network, how is this different
from huge radio chains putting a price tag on the ability to be considered for
commercial airplay?
The Internet works because of innovation and creativity, not because of huge
corporations that seek to maximize their return on investment. In the mid 1990s,
consumers rejected the early walled-garden business model of America Online in
favor of the chaos of the Internet. Now, the companies that control Internet
access for businesses and homes claim that net neutrality provisions are unnecessary
and counterproductive. The music community has been through this before. We've
seen what happens when a vital conduit becomes locked down by huge corporations
fixated on gaining a return on their investment. As the debate around network
neutrality and the underlying legal and regulatory structure of the Internet
begins in earnest, the music community won't stand for Congress or the FCC to
implement a legal and regulatory framework that could allow dominant broadband
providers to leverage the same destructive gatekeeper function that radio conglomerates
used in the name of maximizing return on investment.
Future of Music Coalition is part of a diverse coalition of organizations pressing
Congress to halt the telecommunication industry's efforts to redefine the fundamental
structures of the Internet. Consumers Union, Common Cause, Free Press, Christian
Coalition, Gun Owners of America, AARP and dozens of others are expressing their
support for strong network neutrality laws.
If and when this measure moves to the Senate floor, advocates for speech, culture
and consumer rights will fight to preserve an open Internet for artists, activists,
entrepreneurs, researchers, consumers and any citizen who values the open structures
of the Internet. FMC wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of this issue when
the sleeping giant of the public wakes up to realize what big media and some
government representatives are trying to do to their Internet. That battle will
be fierce and personal.
FMC joins Savetheinternet.com
campaign to preserve network neutrality
In April 2006, FMC joined
the with dozens of other media reform groups in a campaign
to preserve network neutrality, under the coalition banner
of savetheinternet.com. In May 2006, FMC encouraged some high
profile musicians to sign on to this letter sent to Congress.
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
