Arts+Labs is very excited to announce our newest member, ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). We released this statement today.
Arts+Labs, a unique alliance of the technology, content and creative communities, today announced that ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) has joined its coalition. ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization representing the world's largest repertory from its more than 350,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members.
"It gives us great pleasure to welcome ASCAP to Arts+Labs," said Mike McCurry, co-chair of Arts+Labs. "We will look to ASCAP to play a critical role in our efforts to ensure a vibrant digital society."
Launched in September 2008, Arts+Labs was created to encourage cross-industry collaborations that support enhanced and intelligent Internet infrastructure, safe, legal and accessible distribution of content, and respect and recognition of copyright. Arts+Labs aims to ensure that artists, creators and innovators can safely choose to make their works available through online distribution channels so that their right to earn fair compensation for their creativity is respected.
"After careful study, we've determined that Arts+Labs will be an important partner in our copyright advocacy efforts," commented Kevin Gage, ASCAP SVP of Strategic Planning and Digital Development. "ASCAP is leading the way in copyright advocacy with important digital rate court proceedings, a large and motivated grassroots assembly of members educating legislators and a comprehensive program of copyright education in America's schools."
"Bringing aboard an organization like ASCAP is another big step forward for Arts+Labs," said Mark McKinnon, co-chair of Arts+Labs. "It will be a pleasure to collaborate with ASCAP as we drive awareness of the importance of respecting the rights and online property of today's artists."
About ASCAP:
Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 350,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com
About Arts+Labs
Arts+Labs, founded in September 2008, is a coalition of the world's leading technology and creative organizations founded upon the core belief that quality content drives the Internet; that distribution of easily accessible, affordable content in the Internet age requires new business models; and that creators deserve to benefit from their creativity. Arts+Labs aims to ensure that artists and innovators can easily and effectively share their creativity through new distribution channels online, secure in the confidence that their rights will be respected and their ingenuity rewarded. Our commitment to consumers is that we will work to keep them informed about how and where they can find and safely enjoy the vast array of legal, affordable, and innovative entertainment content on the Internet. Current members include AT&T, Viacom, NBC Universal, Cisco, Microsoft, BMI, ASCAP and the Songwriters Guild of America. For more information, go to www.artsandlabs.com.
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