Brussels, 04/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - Independent musicians are calling for the whole music sector to speak up in the public consultation on copyright in the digital era. This consultation has been extended by one month. On the basis of the outcome of this consultation, the Commission will bring forward a White Paper on copyright by the summer, Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier said on his Twitter account on 4 February. The White Paper will offer solutions to real problems if and where they exist, Barnier stated.
In the meantime, the Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA) is appealing to all those who are directly or indirectly involved in the music business to “make their voice heard”. Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA, said: “Europe needs to hear from all those who believe creators should be free to earn a living and to decide how their work is exploited”. She added that “the challenge is to make Europe the best place in the world for creators” and she stressed that for this to be so copyright was crucial so that independent music companies, which make up 80% of all music, could continue to invest in talent and innovation.
A petition linked to the Commission's consultation is currently doing the rounds, calling for greater attention to be paid to culture and creators in the framework of copyright legislation. The European Composer and Songwriter Alliance is behind this petition, which has also been promoted by IMPALA. (MD/transl.fl)