Title II

Future of Music Coalition Hails FCC Net Neutrality Vote

WASHINGTON, DC— Moments ago, the Federal Communications Commission voted to adopt a new Open Internet order, implementing strong net neutrality protections using Title II of the Communications Act.

Future of Music Coalition CEO Casey Rae made the following statement: read more

Musicians and Independent Labels Laud Net Neutrality Proposal

February 4, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler revealed the Federal Communications Commission’s approach to preserving an open and accessible Internet. The proposed Order would prohibit Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from discriminating against lawful online content. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler made the case for the new rules in an Op-Ed in Wired. read more

FMC Welcomes Real Net Neutrality

February 3, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC—This week, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is expected to circulate his plans to preserve an open Internet where musicians, composers and other content creators can reach audiences without discrimination or interference from a handful of powerful Internet Service Providers.

According to news reports, the proposed rules include reclassification of broadband as a “telecommunications service”—a move that provides for sounder footing to protect content creators and consumers. The FCC will vote on these rules at its February 26, 2015 Open Meeting.

The following statement is attributed to Casey Rae, CEO of Music Coalition (FMC), a national non-profit research, education and advocacy organization for musicians and composers: read more

Rep. Patrick Murphy Steps Up for Real Net Neutrality

Here at FMC, we are always happy to shine light on principled positions taken by policymakers. To that end, we recognize Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-FL), who today issued a strong statement in support of net neutrality. Even cooler, he talked about why net neutrality is so crucial to musicians and independent labels: “an open and fair Internet guarantees that independent bands can get to their audiences at the same speeds as those on major labels,” says the congressman. And in the second paragraph, no less!

We also appreciate that Rep. Murphy is in favor of reclassifying broadband internet service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act, which would provide the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with the light-touch tools it needs to ensure that the Internet works for everyone, and not just a handful of powerful Internet Service Providers like Comcast and Verizon.

From all of us at FMC and the broader music community, we say thanks for taking a stand. Let’s just hope the FCC is listening. The congressman’s full statement is below.

On Wednesday, January 7, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler made news by hinting that upcoming net neutrality rules would be stronger (and more legally grounded) than previous proposals.

Why is this significant? Well, a handful of months ago, it looked like the FCC was set to adopt rules that would have allowed paid prioritization of certain Internet content—namely, that from the biggest companies. This would be devastating for smaller creators and independent labels who depend on a level online playing field to get their music and message out to the world.

FMC Statement on President Obama's Call for Real Net Neutrality

November 10, 2014

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, President Barack Obama underscored his support for an open, and accessible Internet based in free expression and entrepreneurship by calling for the FCC to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service.

The following statement is attributed to Casey Rae, VP for Policy and Education at Music Coalition (FMC), a national non-profit research, education and advocacy organization for musicians:

“The president hit the nail on the head in supporting light-touch rules using the bedrock principle of ‘common carriage.’ This is part of a longstanding American tradition in communications policy that enables both free expression and economic growth. read more

President Obama Calls for Real Net Neutrality

Today, President Barack Obama stood with millions of Americans across political lines in urging the Federal Communications Commission to preserve an open and accessible Internet. This is a huge deal for all Internet users, including artists, whose creative expression, sites and services must not be discriminated against on the whims of a few powerful Internet Service Providers, like Comcast and Verizon. Check out the video and official statement here. read more

Mozilla Net Neutrality Compromise Takes Fire From Both Sides

By John Eggerton

Broadcasting & Cable

October 31, 2014

If FCC chairman Tom Wheeler is floating the idea of a hybrid Title II/Sec. 706 network neutrality regime to gauge the reaction from Title II fans and foes, he was getting it Friday. Neither side seemed happy with that alternative.

[…]

“We appreciate the effort the FCC has put into devising new rules to preserve an open Internet for content creators and innovators,” said the Future of Music Coalition. “However, net neutrality advocates care less about how slick the rules are, and more about whether they’ll stand up in court. “Because last time they didn’t….We don’t want clever net neutrality. We want real net neutrality.”

[…]

We Don't Want Clever Net Neutrality, We Want Real Net Neutrality

Sometimes after an awesome Future of Music Policy Summit, you get to take a nice nap. This is not one of those times.

This week, news broke that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is working on a new proposal for net neutrality that attempts to combine a couple different approaches. While we appreciate the effort, net neutrality advocates care less about how slick the rules are, and more about whether they’ll stand up in court. read more

FCC Web woes extend net neutrality deadline

By Brooks Boliek

Politico

July 16, 2014

The Federal Communications Commission could have used an Internet “fast lane” on Tuesday as a flood of net neutrality comments caused its website to sputter and forced the agency to extend its deadline for accepting public input on its controversial plan.

[…]

“We music people know payola when we see it, and what we see in Chairman Wheeler’s proposal doesn’t give us any confidence that we won’t end up with an Internet where pay-by-play rules the day,” the consortium of musicians wrote. “We’ve heard this song before, and we’re frankly pretty tired of it.

[…]

Title II

Future of Music Coalition Hails FCC Net Neutrality Vote

Musicians and Independent Labels Laud Net Neutrality Proposal

FMC Welcomes Real Net Neutrality

Rep. Patrick Murphy Steps Up for Real Net Neutrality

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler Signals Strong Net Neutrality Rules

FMC Statement on President Obama's Call for Real Net Neutrality

President Obama Calls for Real Net Neutrality

Mozilla Net Neutrality Compromise Takes Fire From Both Sides

We Don't Want Clever Net Neutrality, We Want Real Net Neutrality

FCC Web woes extend net neutrality deadline

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