Indie-rock Revolution, Fueled by Net Neutrality

INDIE-ROCK REVOLUTION, FUELED BY NET NEUTRALITY
[SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy]
[Commentary] Over the past several years, the independent music community has flourished. It now represents over 80 percent of music released in this country and nearly 30 percent of the overall music marketplace. That’s no surprise to those who have been living at the intersection of music and technology. While many argue the Internet has had a negative impact on traditional record sales, it has also helped artists to tear down the walls between themselves and their fans and created the foundation for an unparalleled musician-powered renaissance. If this transformation continues, musicians may leave behind the long-standing imbalance that requires them to sign away their copyrights as a condition of gaining a major-label contract. If they do so, artists’ gratitude should flow to the principle of network neutrality. For musicians, net neutrality means they should have the unfettered ability to make their work available to potential fans without undue interference from corporate gatekeepers. Similarly, music fans should have the ability to access this music via a range of legitimate business models. Net neutrality also ensures the continued innovation that has spurred the growth of the indie sector, the transition to a legitimate digital economy and, more widely, consumer adaptation of broadband services. To understand the importance of net neutrality for artists, look at the lack of a similar principle in modern commercial radio. When informally polled as to why they sign away their copyrights to major labels, most artists explain that they need to be on a major label in order to have a shot at commercial radio airplay. And, sadly, these artists have a point.
http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/Comment/OpEd/061306_oped1.html