One of the difficulties in music policy advocacy is that there are always more pressing matters at hand. Rising unemployment rising, a declining environment, a somersaulting economy, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and other pressing matters understandably occupy more of our policymakers' time.
Nonetheless, the Future of Music Coalition hopes the upcoming Obama administration will prioritize music industry reform, particularly as it involves corporate interests. The FMC points out that as the internet loosens music's geographical ties, radio stations should be run by program directors and DJs who live in the communities where they broadcast. It also says Austin and Seattle have shown how an emphasis on local music can boost a city's economy.
The organization hopes the new administration will "rethink how policy relates to the arts, moving beyond a politics driven by broadcast, telecommunications and entertainment conglomerates in favor of a more holistic approach that prioritizes the sustainability of local creative communities and artists."
Don't leave for yoga class just yet. The FMC also serves up some specific predictions about how an Obama presidency could help bring about an unmediated music marketplace, fair compensation for musicians, low-power FM radio and an end to payola:
We anticipate the new administration will support artists on internet and media access issues such as:
- Greater Access to Broadband: Artists will benefit from the Obama administration’s focus on broadband deployment and its consistent support of Net Neutrality as a major public policy goal. Better broadband deployment will connect more artists to potential audiences and expand the legitimate digital music marketplace.
- Greater Access to Spectrum: The Obama administration will look at reforming how spectrum is allocated in this country, prioritizing wider access to the public beyond the major telecom and media groups and the NAB.
- Radio Ownership Will Become More Diverse: Radio ownership issues need not break down along partisan lines, yet Democrats in Congress and the FCC have been much more aggressive in efforts to rein in consolidation, expand community radio and address structural payola.
- LPFM in Urban Markets: We're cautiously optimistic that Congress will move quickly to overturn the longstanding ban against the FCC issuing licenses for non-commercial Low Power FM radio stations in urban markets.
- FCC Oversight of Payola Allegations: The election will likely lead to improved FCC collection of playlist and station ownership data, as well as greater oversight of existing payola regulations resulting from the March 2007 settlements.
- To further this agenda, the organization has scheduled a "policy day" in Washington, D.C. on February 11, just over three weeks after Obama's inauguration day. He'll have other fish to fry, of course, but maybe some of the FMC's wishes will come true.
To further this agenda, the organization has scheduled a "policy day" in Washington, D.C. on February 11, just over three weeks after Obama's inauguration day. He'll have other fish to fry, of course, but maybe some of the FMC's wishes will come true.
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