SYRACUSE, NY--(Marketwire - April 16, 2010) - The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada submitted comments on April 9, 2010 to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pertaining to the FCC proceeding to establish rules for an open Internet (network neutrality). The AFM stated that protecting an open Internet while providing protection for copyrighted content should be the end result of the FCC proceeding. The AFM called on the FCC to work with stakeholders to create best practices for ensuring network neutrality and protecting copyrighted content.
"An open Internet is critical to musicians," states AFM International President Thomas F. Lee. "All types of musicians, from artists with established careers to those just getting started, use the Internet to get their music to fans, whether through iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, YouTube, MySpace, or any other website that allows music to be sold or streamed. Ensuring that the Internet remains open, neutral, and free is necessary to guarantee that musicians can make a living playing music."
However, supporting network neutrality does not mean that Internet piracy should be ignored or tolerated. The AFM agrees with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, when he stated, on September 21, 2009, that "[t]he enforcement of copyright and other laws and the obligations of network openness can and must co-exist." The AFM's comments urge the FCC to write regulations that keep the Internet open, that promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and that protect copyrighted content.
Full text of comments attached and available for download at
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7020408466
ABOUT THE AFM
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, videogames, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape. For more information, contact the main number at (212) 869-1330 or visit the Web site at www.afm.org.
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Documents and/or Photos available for this release:
Full Text of FCC Comments by AFM President Thomas F. Lee
To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 251928