Rock the Net: 'Net Neutrality' Strikes Chord With Coalition Of Musicians

'NET NEUTRALITY' STRIKES CORD WITH COALITION OF MUSICIANS
[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: Michael Martinez]
A coalition of musicians announced a campaign that they hope will rock the nationwide debate over the future of high-speed Internet networks. The "Rock The Net" campaign is being backed by musicians who want Congress to mandate network neutrality, or the principle that broadband network operators should treat all traffic equally. The coalition includes several high-profile artists from varying musical genres, including R.E.M. and OK Go, the band that recently took home the "most creative" trophy in the inaugural awards by the YouTube video-sharing site. Rock The Net is being organized by the Future of Music Coalition, Noise Pop and Zeitgeist Artist Management, and funded by the Proteus Fund's Media Democracy Fund. A series of concerts throughout the country will be held by participating artists to raise awareness on the issue. Media Access Project President Andrew Schwartzman said that for musicians, network neutrality is just as much about uploading content as it is downloading. He said artists should be able to upload without facing higher prices for certain content so they can take advantage of social media and distribute their works. "It really involves people's right to speak as much as it involves their ability to receive information," he said.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-MVLT1175104332892.html

* Music Stars Back "Rock the Net" Campaign
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6428643?title=Article&spacedesc=news

* Musicians campaign for free Internet (Associated Press)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17821093/