Music Policy Issues: A Perspective from Those Who Make It

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) issued the following statements in advance of the hearing. Chairman Goodlatte: “As part of our ongoing efforts to update our nation’s copyright laws, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing in New York City to specifically look at the state of the music industry and the challenges they face in the digital age. “From compact discs and vinyl records to music streaming services and internet-based radio, music is more available now than it has ever been. When crafting our current copyright laws governing music licensing, Congress could not have foreseen all of today’s technologies and the myriad of ways consumers engage with creative works. Next week’s field hearing will be an excellent opportunity to hear directly from a wide of range of music professionals on the opportunities and challenges the music industry faces in the digital age.” Ranking Member Nadler: “There is widespread agreement that the music licensing system is in need of comprehensive reform. This hearing will be an important step in our effort to update the music licensing system and examine the specific problems most in need of a legislative solution. New York City is home to thousands of creators, including songwriters, performers and musicians, as well as some of the nation’s leading technology companies. Given the wealth of talent, experience, and expertise in New York, I am proud to welcome the Committee to my district for this field hearing.”