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Discussion: ASCAP Launches Bill Of Rights For Songwriters / Composers (pt. 1)


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Dangerousdoug
Dangerousdoug
ASCAP Launches Bill Of Rights For Songwriters / Composers (pt. 1)
Apr 27 2008, 4:20 PM EDT
This article was writen By: Andy Martin

To remind the public, members of the music industry and U.S.
legislators of the central role and rights of those who conceive
and create music, ASCAP (the American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers) today officially launched a 'Bill of Rights
for Songwriters and Composers.'

This awareness-building initiative centers around 10 core
principles, including "We have the right to be compensated for
the use of our creative works, and share in the revenues that
they generate" and "We have the right to license our works and
control the ways in which they are used." (See full text of the Bill
below and at www.ascap.com/rights/billText.aspx)

These rights, all of which are already inherent in the act of music
creation and protected by U.S. copyright law, are increasingly
under threat as competing interests argue over the future of the
business of music - and as growing numbers of individuals
bypass payment altogether to illegally share music online.

"Given the many issues surrounding the music industry today, it
can be all too easy to overlook the source of it all - individual
songwriters, lyricists and composers," said ASCAP President and
Chairman and Academy Award-winning lyricist, Marilyn
Bergman. "That is why ASCAP has launched this Bill of Rights for
Songwriters and Composers. Our goal is to remind lawmakers,
the general public and music creators themselves of the rights
that are inherent in their art. We simply cannot allow the original
source of all music to be lost in the shuffle."
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Dangerousdoug
Dangerousdoug
RE: ASCAP Launches Bill Of Rights For Songwriters / Composers (pt. 2)
Apr 27 2008, 4:23 PM EDT
A. Martin

Developed by ASCAP to support and empower all those who
create music, the 'Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers'
debuted during ASCAP "I Create Music" Week at the 25th Annual
Pop Music Awards held on April 9 and was also introduced to
attendees of the third annual ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO (April
10-12). In just a few days, more than 500 signatures were
collected including: Lionel Richie, Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson, Justin
Timberlake, Desmond Child, Jackson Browne, Steve Miller,
Marilyn Bergman, Alan Bergman, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller,
Chamillionaire, Keri Hilson, Johnta Austin and John Rzeznik.

These 500-plus signatures served as the kick-off to a
grassroots campaign that, over the next few months, will collect
signatures and support from both established and aspiring
songwriters, lyricists and composers from all genres of musical
compositions. Those who wish to add their support to the Bill
can sign it electronically at:

www.ascap.com/rights

As part of this initiative, ASCAP also wrote a perspective piece on
the relevance and importance of music copyright protection,
titled "Music Copyright in the Digital Age: A Position Paper"
which may be viewed and downloaded from
www.ascap.com/rights/billText.aspx

"The signatures that we collect on this Bill of Rights for
Songwriters and Composers will be shared with key legislators
in Washington, as well as numerous other leaders both inside
and outside the music industry," said ASCAP CEO John A.
LoFrumento. "Now is the time to ensure that everyone who has a
stake in determining the future of music, both as an art and as
an industry, recognizes the importance of protecting creators'
rights."

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=109009
http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=109044
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