British Music Rights welcomes today’s publication of the strategy document 'Creative Britain: New Talents for the New Economy' by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

This is an important statement by government regarding the pivotal role played by the creative industries in 21st century Britain.

The document also raises some of the significant challenges that lie ahead. For the music industry, that means the issue of illegal downloading, and how we work with internet service providers to build new commercial businesses.

Feargal Sharkey, Chief Executive of British Music Rights, said: “The Creative Economy Programme is an incredibly important initiative and it is uplifting to see government take the important role of the creator so seriously.

“For many, music sits at the heart of the UK's identity, cutting through barriers of class and nationality, and this country's reputation for producing fantastic, cutting-edge songwriters, composers and performers is second to none.

“More than that, our artists are fuelling the new digital economy not only of today, but of tomorrow - and it is time we all stood up and recognised the social, cultural and economic impact of their work.” 

Regarding chapter 5 of the document, titled Fostering and Protecting Intellectual Property, he added: “There is no doubt that illegal file sharing has caused huge damage to the music industry, and it is heartening that government recognises this.

“However, from personal experience as a regulator, both the music industry and ISPs need to understand that regulatory intervention does not always provide a sound commercial solution. We should all think on that very carefully.

“For our community, legislative measures against ISPs would be an option of last resort. We look forward to working with internet service providers - and any other users of music – to build viable, mutually-beneficial businesses that pay back revenues to those songwriters, composers and artists who can provide them with such a valuable commodity.”

For further information, please contact Adam Webb on 07908 811223 or email adam.webb@bmr.org.
 
www.bmr.org

Notes to Editors:

• British Music Rights was established to promote greater awareness of the interests and concerns of British music composers, songwriters and publishers to UK and EU policymakers and the wider public. The primary focus is to communicate an understanding of the rights and rewards for creativity in the music business; the value of those rights to UK plc; the impact of new technologies upon music creators and publishers and the resulting policy and legislative implications.
• Our member organisations are the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, the Music Publishers Association, the Performing Right Society and the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society.