Category archives: Politics

Librarian of Congress Appoints a New Chief Copyright Royalty Judge and Interim Copyright Royalty Judge

 Carla Hayden has just named two judges at the Copyright Royalty Board. The Librarian of Congress has confirmed a major appointment. Carla Hayden has selected Judge Jesse Feder as the new Chief Copyright Royalty Judge.  He’ll also serve as Head of the …

Major Infighting Breaks Out Between Artists and Labels/Publishers over Article 13

The European music industry has gone to war with itself over Article 13. Last week, when the Copyright Directive – most notably, Article 13 – appeared to fade into obscurity, France and Germany reached a new agreement. Under the compromise, the bill wo…

France and Germany May Have Just Saved Article 13 and the Copyright Directive

France and Germany’s compromise has upset multiple rights organizations, including Article 13 supporters. Several weeks ago, the Copyright Directive – most importantly, Article 13 – appeared to hit a fatal ‘brick wall.’ Thanks in part to Google’s inten…

Mariah Carey Facing Pressure from Activists to Drop Saudi Arabia Support

Mariah Carey is facing pressure from activists to cancel her upcoming performance in Saudi Arabia. Carey joins a long list of celebrities who have been asked to boycott the country over its human rights violations. Back in December, Enrique Iglesias, J…

Arcade Fire, 200 Canadian Artists Say No More Pipelines on Indigenous Land

More than 200 Canadian musicians have banded together in support of indigenous protestors. Arcade Fire is the latest band to show support for an anti-pipeline protest.  The group is signing a strongly-worded open letter alongside other Canadian groups …

Copyright Directive and Article 13 Hit a ‘Brick Wall’ in the EU

Have Google’s intensive lobbying efforts managed to outright sink the Copyright Directive, especially Article 11 and Article 13? According to multiple reports, Copyright Directive talks in the European Union have indefinitely stalled. Lawmakers called …

The FCC Prepares for a Partial Shutdown

Despite the partial shutdown, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai will continue working. The FCC will shut down “most operations” should the partial government shutdown continue on Thursday. “At that time, employees will have up to four hours to complete an orderly …

Twisted Sister Slams an Australian Politician for Re-Writing ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’

Twisted Sister isn’t going to take it anymore from Australian politician Clive Palmer. Twisted Sister isn’t too happy with an Australian politician right now. The heavy metal band has slammed Clive Palmer.  As part of a new campaign, the politician rep…

European Union Aims to Implement Forced Content Quotas on Streaming Services by the End of 2019

Just how exactly will the European Union’s content quota affect streaming music services later on? Several months ago, APRA AMCOS, a copyright collective representing Australian and New Zealander composers, lyricists, and musicians, called on lawmakers…