DiMA Statement on 'Future of Audio' Hearing

(Washington, DC) – Greg Barnes,  Director of Government Affairs for the Digital Media Association, issued the following statement today in response to the House Energy and Commerce Committee's hearing on the "Future of Audio":

"Today's hearing opens the door to a conversation that's long overdue. Namely, how best to grow the marketplace for the legitimate online distribution of music in an increasingly digital environment.

For several years now, online music stores, music subscription services, and basic Internet streaming services have worked tirelessly to develop new and innovative business models only to find their plans stymied by an outdated system of licensing laws that are holdovers from a long-past era.

Congress must take this new found opportunity to update existing law in a way that will make it easier for consumers to legally purchase or stream music from the service of their choosing. Such efforts would not only benefit musicians by generating more revenue, updated licensing would also help curb online piracy by providing more and more accessible legitimate music sources."