Statement of AFM President Thomas F. Lee on FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's Announcement on Network Neutrality

American Federation of Musicians
1501 Broadway, Suite 600
New York, NY 10036




"The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) applauds FCC Chairman Genachowski for announcing his intention to open a rulemaking proceeding to ensure that the Internet remains open and neutral. 
 


"A free and open Internet is necessary so that musicians and artists can effectively distribute their work. Artists of all levels of success use the Internet to get their music to fans, no matter if they are selling their work or streaming it. The Internet allows music and musicians to flourish.



"While AFM strongly supports the Chairman's efforts to see that network neutrality regulations are passed by the FCC, AFM hopes that the Chairman will also focus on the need to address Internet piracy. It is important to AFM that the FCC not unintentionally limit the ability of ISPs, content creators or the federal government to protect copyrighted content traversing the Internet.
 


"Protecting copyrighted content is not antithetical to network neutrality and ensuring that the Internet remains open, neutral and free. AFM hopes to work with the Commission to see that both principles are enshrined in their regulations."
 




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.

http://www.afm.org