Thread: Your chance to be a politician on copyright and music

Congress is debating whether to extend copyright protection for musical recordings. At issue is whether regular AM and FM stations should have to pay a royalty to artists for each song that the radios stations play.

What do you think? Why?

XM Radio, HD Radio and internet radio would not be affected. They already pay royalties. All we are talking about is good old AM and FM like in your car.

Here is an example of the rhetoric at play:

July 20, 2009 BACK Print Email
RIAA CEO Joins Commerce Secretary For Release OF Report Highlighting Significant Economic Contributions Of Copyright Community
WASHINGTON -- RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Bainwol today joined U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and other heads of various copyright-based organizations to announce a new report by the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) that outlines the strong contributions of the U.S. copyright industries to the national economy.
Specifically, the IIPA report estimates that in 2007, the U.S. copyright industries employed more than 11 million workers (8.5 percent of the U.S. workforce) and contributed approximately 43 percent of the total real growth achieved by the U.S. economy from 2006-2007. In addition, core copyright sales in foreign markets increased 8 percent, from $116 billion in 2006 and nearly $126 billion in 2007 – more than the foreign sales of other major U.S. industries including aircraft, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals.

“This report not only reinforces the fact that copyright remains an important element to this nation’s economy but also the continuing need to devote necessary resources and energy to its protection,” said Bainwol. "The contributions of our nation’s copyright communities are extraordinary. Absent the theft of music and other protected works, this country would no doubt see an even greater economic boost from an increase in legitimate commerce. More jobs would be created and we would bolster our nation’s ability to compete in the global marketplace. It likely goes without saying but in this period of economic uncertainty, the protection of jobs and wages cannot be underscored enough.

“We welcome this important report and greatly appreciate the invaluable work of Secretary Locke and this Administration to preserve our nation’s economic assets.”

Originally Posted by Red_Lizard2

Not sure, on one hand its free promotion for the band, but also it could be argued the radio stations make money off the music (in forms of advertising)

I'd probably say they shouldn't because of the effect on underground, student ran and small radio stations.

Good thoughts, but in this scenario you are a politician. You have to vote yea or nea and explain to your constituents.

How do you vote, Representative Lizard?

Originally Posted by Red_Lizard2

make sure i read that right, did it ay that forcing radio stations to pay royalties creates jobs?

That's the sunshine, yes. Is your ass open to having it blown in?