Washington, D.C.—Informed discussion and lively debate were the hallmarks of Future of Music Coalition’s third annual D.C. Policy Day, which took place on February 11 at National Geographic in Washington D.C. Artist compensation in a rapidly-evolving music landscape featured prominently in discussions ranging from localism in radio to net neutrality and emerging models for digital distribution.
Acting FCC Chairman Michael J. Copps gave a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of media diversity and the contribution of musicians to America’s cultural tapestry. “Recording and other creative artists have often been leaders of progressive change in our country in times of great social and political upheaval; their music not only changes history, it helps illuminate the path before us,” Copps said to an audience of more than 250 musicians, advocates, industry representatives, journalists, public policy professionals and music fans.
Panels such as “Adjust Your Dial: Radio for the 21st Century” and “Win-Win When? Copyright and Innovation in the Digital Age” featured spirited back and forth from panelists on all sides of the issues. Focal points included the impact of media consolidation on the public airwaves, broadband expansion and digital inclusion, direct versus blanket licensing, copyright and innovation and more. Musicians, songwriters, broadcasters, label reps, attorneys, entrepreneurs and policy experts offered a wide range of perspectives about the future of music in the digital age.
The event was webcast live, as well as professionally recorded. Permanent audio/video archives will be available on the official Policy Day 2009 website in the coming weeks.
See below for the full list of DC Policy Day 2009 participants:
Keynote: Michael J. Copps Acting Chairman, Federal Communications Commission
David Beal President, National Geographic Entertainment
Michael Bracy Policy Director, Future of Music Coalition
Bryan Calhoun Vice President, New Media & External Affairs, SoundExchange
Rick Carnes President, Songwriters Guild of America
David Carson General Counsel, US Copyright Office
Parul Desai Associate Director, Media Access Project
Peter Gordon President, Thirsty Ear Recordings
Randy Hawke Operations Manager, Mid-West Family Broadcasting
Peter Jenner President Emeritus, IMMF
Zahavah Levine Chief Counsel, YouTube
Steve Marks Executive VP and General Counsel, RIAA
Walter McDonough General Counsel, Future of Music Coalition
Sascha Meinrath Research Director, Wireless Future Program, New America Foundation
Justin Ouellette CEO & Founder, Muxtape
Alec Ounsworth Musician, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Michael Petricone Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Consumer Electronics Association
Hal Ponder Director of Government Relations, American Federation of Musicians
Ben Scott Policy Director, Free Press
Hank Shocklee Music Industry Producer, Founder of Public Enemy, President of Shocklee Entertainment
Derek Sivers Founder, CD Baby
Gigi Sohn President, Public Knowledge
Frannie Wellings Legislative Assistant, Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
Brian Austin Whitney Founder, Just Plain Folks
Brian Zisk Technologies Director, Future of Music Coalition
Future of Music Coalition is a national non-profit education, research and advocacy organization that seeks a bright future for creators and listeners. FMC works towards this goal through continuous interaction with its primary constituency — musicians — and in collaboration with other creator/public interest groups. More