Digital Freedom Campaign Criticizes Big Recording Labels for Gouging Musicians

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from the Digital Freedom Campaign (digitalfreedom.org) regarding a recent filing by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) seeking to cut the rate they pay music publishers and songwriters for the use of the lyrics and melodies with which they create sound recordings. It may be attributed to Don Goldberg, Digital Freedom Campaign spokesman:

"The RIAA is at it again. Even as the big labels portray themselves as the protector of the artists' livelihoods, they are fighting to maximize their profits at the artists' expense.

"The RIAA claims its recent wave of lawsuits and legislation was to ensure artists received their due payment. But their current campaign to pry money from the hands of artists shows their real goal is to protect their business models and profit margins.

"At Digital Freedom, we know that artists must be compensated for their work. But unlike RIAA, we think it's time to embrace new digital technologies -- not try to sue them out of existence.

"We urge the big labels to treat artists fairly. We hope the copyright royalty judges reject the big labels' attempt to evade their obligations to the creative community."

  Contact:
  Jennifer Stoltz
  Digital Freedom Campaign
  202-448-3145