In case anyone thought performing artists were also the music business or part of it……Here’s an email from PPL
I just wanted to alert you to some good news in our campaign on copyright term. The Commission has this morning announced proposals to extend copyright for sound recordings from 50 to 95 years. Making the announcement, Commissioner Charlie McCreevy said he no longer wanted performing artists to be the poor cousins of the music business.
This is obviously extremely welcome news and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support, despite various recent setbacks. The Commissioner specifically said in the press briefing this morning that it was the strength of feeling from many thousands of musicians that prompted him to make this proposal.
Of course it does not end here. Any legislation in Brussels has to be drafted by the Commission and then debated by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers before it becomes law. We will be following this very closely on your behalf.
You can read the full Commission announcement here:
If you would like to make a comment on this announcement that might help us show support for the Commission and maintain the momentum, please feel free to reply to this email.
Once again I thank you for your loyal support in helping us close the copyright gap.
Fran
FRAN NEVRKLA (Mr)
Chairman & CEO, PPL and VPL
However, a bill recently was passed on this subject onto the House of Lords, which was rejected in full. As far as I know, EU ruling on copyright does not cover the UK territory.
All at the Birmingham Music Network….looking nice on here!!! Consider me a subscriber (and attenders of future meetings when we can get down there……some of us work til 4.30 y’know!!! :o))).
Simon,
The EU makes a directive and EU member states may or may not harmonise their own laws with the directive.
The Musicians’ Union along with the National Union of Journalists and the Writers’ Guild have been campaigning for this extension to the term of copyright for performers. Along with the Gowers review, the UK Government has rejected the advice that this is a good thing. The campaign has moved to Europe and the early results look promising.
Cheers,
Andy