R.E.M., Kathleen Hanna, Priests, and More Endorse Net Neutrality In Letter To FCC
On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission will vote on a net neutrality plan that will ensure a free and open Internet for web users everywhere.
The plan, which was proposed by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler earlier this month, is the strongest net neutrality plan to date. Writing in Wired, Wheeler said that the proposal he put forth to the FCC board members “assures the rights of internet users to go where they want, when they want, and the rights of innovators to introduce new products without asking anyone’s permission.”
Of course, Wheeler wasn’t always this on board with a free and open Internet. It took some persuading from advocates—and, of course, some urging from President Barack Obama—for him to come around on the idea of a completely free and open Internet.
One of the more vocal advocates for net neutrality has been the music community. Spearheaded by the Future of Music Coalition—a national nonprofit organization focusing on education, research and advocacy for musicians—the music community’s vocal support and advocacy of net neutrality has been nothing short of inspiring. […] Now, they’ve assembled a massive and impressive list of musicians and bands to sign an open letter to Wheeler letting them know they have his back on his proposal that goes to vote on Thursday.
Local artists, including The Max Levine Ensemble’s Spoonboy and Priests join revered musicians and bands like Kathleen Hanna, R.E.M. Ted Leo, Jeff Tweedy, Speedy Ortiz, and more in signing the letter, which you can read below: […]