Speaking at a joint meeting of the Federation of Entertainment Unions, UK Film Council and BAFTA on the future of the creative industries, BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor outlined how the music business has transformed itself in the digital age, but also warned of the threat posed by copyright infringement to thousands of jobs in the copyright sector. He said:
“An endless free lunch for consumers when it comes to digital content is unsustainable. Unless Ministers strengthen proposals for ISPs to deal with illegal behaviour online a ‘creative crunch’ will follow – investment in new British talent will ultimately dry up.
“The internet cannot be a place where respect for the law is abandoned. Even though the music business is creatively fit and strong, free-loading reduces investment in new music and in turn threatens the jobs of thousands of young people working in A&R, recording, marketing and promotion.
“Taylor made three appeals to Government in developing its policy on Digital Britain, which is due for publication next month:
(i) to recognise that the music sector has already transformed its business models online;
(ii) to take seriously the argument that a “write and sue” policy will not be effective;
(iii) and to use the time available in this Parliament to introduce legislation requiring ISPs to act against persistent illegal downloaders.”
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For further information, contact Richard Mollet on 07778 660 304.
EDITORS NOTES
1. The BPI represents the UK recorded music business.
2. The UK Film Council event “The Future of the Creative Economy – Promoting Growth and Generating Jobs in the UK” was held on 12 May 2009 at BAFTA.