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 David Cameron calls for copyright extension at BPI AGM : 4:7:2007 - Copyright extension and more robust enforcement central to Conservative policy on creative industries - BPI outlines vision for UK recording industry’s transition and rebirth; recording industry geared for challenges in digital era - Industry unity, consumer dialogue, and government support key to music future says BPI - Third year for indies' conference The BPI's AGM, which took place at London's Mayfair hotel today, reflected a progressive recording industry well equipped for the challenges presented by a time of great transition. Outlining his new policy on the creative industries and social responsibility, keynote speaker Conservative leader David Cameron MP described the extension of the term of copyright from 50 years to 70 years for sound recordings as “good for musicians and consumers too”. "A Conservative Government will argue for this in Europe, for this change to happen in order to protect investment in the future of the industry, reward our creative artists and generate more choice for consumers." said Cameron. Cameron also highlighted the role that ISPs should play in combating copyright theft. Describing them as "the gatekeepers of the internet", he said that illegal downloads were "clear and visible internet traffic" and "could be blocked by ISPs". Noting the "massive fraud" carried out against the music industry every day, Cameron emphasised that "copyright theft has to be treated like other theft" and pledged that the Conservatives would enforce laws more strongly so that perpetrators are brought to book. He added that the Conservatives would work with industry to "get the message out that piracy and illegal filesharing is wrong". BPI chairman Tony Wadsworth had opened proceedings by urging the music industry to adopt a “collegiate approach” and “lift our sights… and look outward and forward” and focus upon the industry's "transition and rebirth". He sees a bright future for a recording industry that continues to excel in discovering, nurturing and working in partnership with UK artists to produce great new music. Wadsworth also spoke of an industry both innovating to expand its revenue streams for recordings through licensing, and diversifying to tap into other music revenue streams outside recordings. He concluded by saying that government must play its part to support the recording and wider creative industries during this time of change by improving legislative frameworks, intellectual property protection and enforcement - a theme expanded upon by BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor. Taylor echoed Wadsworth's optimism for music's future and, acknowledging that the industry was listening to its "new masters" - the digital consumer - he emphasised the need to communicate better to those consumers the value of music and the role the record industry plays in nurturing new talent. Taylor stated that the internet will not remain an arena where the vast majority of music consumption is unlicensed and unpaid for, arguing that it is essential for society - economically, culturally and socially - that the rules of acceptable behaviour are enforced online as they are in the high street. To achieve that vision, he emphasised the need for government to introduce effective online enforcement, to require internet service providers to act responsibly in dealing with widespread copyright theft and to strengthen the framework for the industry’s development extending the term of copyright for sound recordings. BPI Deputy Chairman Mike Batt called for greater industry unity, reflecting on his role as songwriter, publisher, manager and record label, and urged the industry to "always try and find the common ground". Third year for indies’ conference The day began with the BPI's third Annual Members’ Conference, hosted by BPI Director of Independent Member Services Jon Webster. The conference room was packed with representatives from major labels as well as a record number of independents, reflecting the fact that the BPI's independent membership has increased by almost 40% in just two years to an all time high of 369 companies. The conference programme reflected the air of change and new opportunity within the industry with podcasting, mobile music, ad-funded downloads, social networking plus music and brands on the agenda. Speakers from Rough Trade and GCap completed the line-up, underlining the fact that physical retail and traditional radio promotions still remain an integral part of the record industry. BPI Chairman Tony Wadsworth said: “The music industry is a complex, interconnected ecosystem... so, I urge everyone here to adopt a more collegiate approach. There is a greater feeling of community in the industry right now. "Consumers are passionate about music and so are we. Many say that an industry should be judged by its product and if that’s the case, we should hold our heads up high. Today’s UK music scene is second to none and our artists are putting Britain on the map as home to the world’s most exciting talent. UK music is a force to be reckoned with on a global level and we should be proud of that." Chief Executive Geoff Taylor said: "Digital consumers - newly enfranchised by the internet, new technologies, personal devices and new formats - have already taught us many lessons about how they want music in the 21st century. But if we are to make the most of our future, we must also educate our new masters of the value of music in the digital age." "Music is a socially positive force that enhances people's lives at work and at play… we need to explain better the positive role played by record companies to support artists’ careers as well as the commitment they show to socially important causes." "The internet is not going to remain a world in which the vast majority of music consumed is unlicensed and unpaid for, because that is not in the interests of society, not economically, not culturally and not socially." "We need to work with government to ensure that Internet Service Providers face their responsibilities on internet piracy … a dedicated national enforcement unit should be established to tackle online piracy." "The combination of broader licensing by our industry, a growing partnership with ISPs, deterrent action by government and continuing consumer education will mean that music will prosper in the digital age like never before." - ENDS - EDITORS NOTES The BPI represents the UK recorded music industry. Contact the BPI communications department on 020 7803 1395 for further information. Speeches: David Cameron MP
Tony Wadsworth, BPI Chairman
Geoff Taylor, BPI Chief Executive
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