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Greetings, FMC friends! It’s been a busy July–we’ve been standing up for artists’ rights in Congress, and (with your help) flooding the FCC’s inbox with support for an open internet. Read on for the details!
1. FMC On The Hill
2. 2014 Policy Summit: Register Now & Save
3. Net Neutrality: What’s Next?
4. Best of The Blog
5. Interns Wanted
6. FMC On The Road
7. How Are We Doing?
1. FMC’s Casey Rae Testifies Before Congress
Last week, we told you how Casey Rae, FMC’s VP for Policy & Education would be testifying before a House Subcommittee as part of Congress’s ongoing examination of copyright law. Unsurprisingly, Casey came out swinging hard for musicians’ rights to reclaim rights to their older recordings, and urged Congress to take action to make this right unambiguous.
Watch the video of the hearing, or read our full recap.
The series of hearings continues tomorrow at 2 pm with an examination of “Remedies.” As always, we’ll be covering it live on Twitter.
2. 2014 Policy Summit: Super Early Bird Registration EndsJuly 31
Super early bird registration for the 2014 Future of Music Policy Summit is still available through the end of July. Now’s your chance to get the full Summit experience for only $149 – you get two jam-packed days of music-tech-policy panels, keynotes and debates, attendee-only evening events and some surprises we’ll be rolling out over the next two months. Summit attendees can also purchase individual tickets to the 2014 Future of Music Honors & dinner and reception at an exclusive discounted rate. Check the registration page for full details.
What do you want to hear at this year’s Policy Summit? Email summit@futureofmusic.org
3. Net Neutrality: Thank You!
Last week, we told you of the impending deadline for initial comments to the Federal Communications Commission on Net Neutrality. You and the rest of the internet responded in full force, crashing servers and forcing the FCC to extend their initial filing deadline. In the end over a million submissions were received, the most ever submitted in an FCC rulemaking proceeding! Among these comments: some strong words from musicians who rely on the open Internet to make a living and connect with fans, as well as a broad array of arts and culture groups calling for the strongest possible protections against a two-tiered internet.
Now we’ve entered a reply comments period, where you’ll have one more opportunity to weigh in. In the coming weeks we’ll share the full details. Stay tuned!
4. Best Of The Blog
FutureBlog is your destination for analysis of the latest news in music/tech/policy; here’s a selection of our recent posts:
Understanding Soundcloud’s Copyright Woes
As popular streaming music host Soundcloud is rumored to be nearing licensing deals with major labels, a mini-controversy has erupted over takedown notices. We separate fact from fiction.
A Faustian Bargain for PROs and Songwriters?
Are a handful of major music publishers attempting to tilt the playing field in their favor, to the potential detriment of both songwriters and PROs?
Indie Labels Go To Bat for Indie Artists
More than 700 labels have signed an agreement committing to pro-artist practices, proving that indies have a different way of doing business.
Licensing Costs Alone Didn’t Doom East Village Radio
We were sad to see beloved webcaster East Village Radio shut down in May after years of diverse eclectic programming. But what were the real reasons?
Do Major Labels Really “RESPECT” Older Artists?
As Congress examines the issue of pre-1972 sound copyrights, who’s standing in the way of the most effective solution to get performers paid?
College Radio Fans Organize to Save WRAS from Takeover
The beloved station helped launch the careers of REM and Outkast, but college administrators are replacing student-run music programming with syndicated news.
Canada Scraps Work Permit Requirements for Touring Musicians
In a reversal of last summer’s controversial decision, Canada’s government just made touring a lot more feasible for many foreign performers.
5. Work For FMC
We’re currently seeking Communications, Policy and Events Interns for the fall term, to work alongside FMC staff in Washington DC. Think you’ve got what it takes? Check out the full details; deadline to apply is August 15.
6. FMC On The Road
State & Main
August 6-8 Philadelphia, PA
National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture (NAMAC) and Alliance for Community Media (ACM) are coming together for their first ever joint national conference, bridging the media arts and community-based media fields. It’s a unique chance for media artists and media activists to organize, stratetize, develop new technologies and provide dialogue, collaboration, research and advocacy. FMC’s Casey Rae will be among the speakers. Register online athttp://stateandmain2014.com
SF Music Tech Summit XVI
November 11, 9 am- 5 pm | Hotel Kabuki, San Francisco
The SF MusicTech Summit brings together visionaries in the evolving music/business/technology ecosystem, along with the best and brightest developers, enrepreneurs, investors, service providers, journalists, musicians and organizations who work with them at the convergence of culture and commerce. There will be panels, parties, presentations, elevator pitch and speed networking sessions, and tons of opportunities. For more information visit http://sfmusictech.com and use discount code “FoM” for 10% off your ticket.
7. How Are We Doing?
You can always contact us at suggestions@futureofmusic.org if you have any questions or feedback.
