Global Issues...
in cra-briefings40 · June 30, 2007
FOCUS ON THE UNITED KINGDOM
A lot has been happening in the United Kingdom recently in relation to protection of artists’ rights, the development of young talent and the need for copyright reform. Copyright law in the UK is similar to Canada’s and the issues relating to arts funding and copyright reform are familiar, too.
Several initiatives and agreements are offered new financial incentive to artists. Recently CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Artists and composers) reported that the Performing Rights Society’s Foundation for New Music has set up a British Music Abroad program, designed to assist UK-based artists develop international markets for their work. The fund, which is of an unspecified limit, will cover travel and accommodation. Applicants to the program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and will be expected to contribute 10% of the final cost.
In addition, recording labels in the United Kingdom have reached an agreement with artists which determines how much they will get paid each time a song is downloaded from the Internet. This agreement indicates that artists will receive 8% of these revenues for the next three years and 6.5% of revenues from on-demand on-line music (e.g. streaming). This voluntary settlement reflects considerably less than the 12% revenues artists were initially seeking. For more information on this settlement see http://online.wsj.articles or www.news.com.com
Despite these strides, many still see the copyright law as being out of step with modern times. Recent calls for amendments to the current system have been joined by a powerful new voice. The British Library has called for reforms to copyright law that would fully recognize the position of digital content. According to Lynne Brindley CEO of the British Library, “Unless there is serious updating of copyright law to recognize the changing technology environment, the law becomes an ass”. The specifics that the library has asked be addressed include the ability of DRM to override exceptions to the law, and the accessibility orphaned works. For more information on this statement please see www.cnetnews.com or www.zdnet.uk.com