Future of Music Coalition: DC Policy Day 2010

An event hosted by the New America Foundation

Join the conversation on Twitter: #FMC10

This year has already seen a host of policy developments that will affect the entire music ecosystem - from the FCC’s authority to regulate the internet to international copyright concerns to the impact of health care reform on the music community.

D.C. Policy Day 2010 will bring these issues into focus through informed presentations and panel discussions. A live webcast will bring the conversation to a global audience of artists, academics, industry professionals, journalists, music fans and more.

This year has already seen a host of policy developments that will affect the entire music ecosystem - from the FCC’s authority to regulate the internet to international copyright concerns to the impact of health care reform on the music community.

Topics to be covered include the hotly debated Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), efforts to preserve an open internet, and the health insurance landscape for musicians following the passage of historic health care legislation. Policy Day 2010 will also examine how the creative industries are faring under current Washington leadership as we head into a new election cycle.

Join us for this FREE event in Washington, DC hosted by New America Foundation. Can’t make it to the District? Be sure to tune in to our interactive live webcast..

For more information please visit the Future of Music Coalition's website at http://futureofmusic.org/events/dc-policy-day-201.

Agenda

10:30 AM to 11:00 AM - Registration

11:00 AM to 11:05 AM - Welcome

11:05 AM to 12:20 PM - ACTA: Treaties, Trade and Transparency

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is a proposed multilateral trade agreement for establishing international standards on intellectual property rights enforcement among participating countries. Supporters argue that this treaty is a crucial step in protecting intellectual property from counterfeiting and unauthorized distribution in an increasingly globalized, networked world. Critics contend that ACTA threatens to impose harsh restrictions on consumers, and that it could override sovereign nations’ copyright laws. Until recently, open debate was constricted by the confidential nature of negotiations, thus fomenting many rumors about the proposed terms of the agreement. FMC welcomes expert panelists to discuss the terms under consideration, which parties seek what outcomes, and the status of the multilateral deliberations.

  • Richard Bengloff President, American Association of Independent Music
  • Michael Petricone Senior VP, Government Affairs, Consumer Electronics Association
  • Manon Ress Director of Information Society Projects, Knowledge Ecology International (KEI)
  • Eric J. Schwartz Partner, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP, Washington, D.C.
  • Steven Tepp Senior Counsel for Policy and International Affairs, U.S. Copyright Office
  • Ann Chaitovitz Owner, Ann Chaitovitz Consulting (moderator)

12:25 PM to 1:40 PM - Health Care Reform and its Impact on Musicians

A 2010 Future of Music Coalition survey found that 34 percent of the 1,400 musicians surveyed didn't have health insurance — twice the national average. Congress has succeeded in passing a health care reform bill, but what does it mean for “real musicians” — namely, those artists and songwriters trying to make a living in a time of unprecedented economic challenge? What will the bill do to expand coverage for the creative class, and what do musicians and their advocates need to know to take advantage of new opportunities? Advocates for musicians and health insurance will join with health policy experts to discuss key elements of this landmark legislation and how they will affect musicians and songwriters.

  • Adam Huttler Executive Director, Fractured Atlas
  • Alex Maiolo HINT Program Coordinator, Future of Music Coalition
  • Renata Marinaro Manager, Health Services Education and Outreach, The Actors Fund
  • Kristin Thomson Education Director, Future of Music Coalition (moderator)

1:45 PM to 2:05 PM - "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?"

Rick Carnes, President of the Songwriters Guild of America reports on how Nashville and its music community are coping since the Great Flood of 2010, and how the clean-up is progressing.

  • Rick Carnes, President of the Songwriters Guild of America

2:05 PM to 2:35 PM - Networking Break

2:35 PM to 3:00 PM - Austin Schlick, General Counsel of the FCC

The General Counsel for the FCC will discuss the recent Comcast court opinion, the legal and policy basis for FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's proposal to use a "third way" approach to regulating broadband services, as well as other recent developments.

  • Austin Schlick, General Counsel of the FCC

3:00 PM to 4:00 PM - The Open Internet, Music and Innovation

The advent of broadband changed everything we thought we knew about music — particularly how recordings are distributed, promoted and accessed. While some traditional business models have been upended by the internet, the technology has been a boon to independent musicians who rely on the web to do everything from connecting with fans to booking shows to selling merchandise to collaborating with other artists. Over the past decade, Future of Music Coalition has followed these developments closely, while advocating for a legitimate digital music marketplace that compensates creators. With the open internet driving innovation, we're just beginning to see what a world of fully licensed music services might look like. Yet some would prefer innovation on the web to be left solely to market forces, with little to no regulation to establish rules of the road for Internet Service Providers. Join us for an interactive discussion featuring policy experts, musicians and you.

  • Jonny 5 emcee, Flobots
  • Rick Carnes President, Songwriters Guild of America
  • Markham Erickson Holch & Erickson LLP + Executive Director, Open Internet Coalition
  • Chris Guttman-McCabe VP, Regulatory Affairs, CTIA - The Wireless Association
  • Gigi B. Sohn President, Public Knowledge
  • Amy Schatz Reporter, The Wall Street Journal (moderator)

4:15 PM to 5:30 PM - Creative Capitol: Music, Culture and Policy Under Obama

The 2009 inauguration of Obama — plus Democratic majorities in Congress — meant a shift in the power dynamic in Washington, DC. How are creative industries faring so far in this administration? Rumor has it that music is enjoyed and revered in the White House, but these are also trying times for policymakers. Can a pro-arts agenda be balanced with pressing economic and infrastructure concerns? Does the cultural community have a role to play in recovery? What legislation will make it out of committee and onto the floor? Top staffers from the House and Senate will discuss the key music-technology-policy issues playing out on Capitol Hill, and how musicians are engaging.
  • Shawn Chang Counsel, House Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Matthew C. Hussey Telecommunications Legislative Assistant for Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME)
  • Maggie Juliand Legislative Assistant for the Office of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY)
  • Daniel Swanson Counsel, Senate Judiciary Committee

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM - Closing Cocktail Party

The Science Club
1136 19th Street NW
Washington, DC  20036

Event Time and Location

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 - 11:00am - 6:00pm
New America Foundation
1899 L Street NW Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036

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