Canadian Association of Broadcasters Reacts to Liberal Party Stance to
Abandon Local Radio Artisans in Favour of Foreign Record Labels

OTTAWA, Dec. 16 /CNW/ - Today's announcement by the Liberal Party of Canada outlining their proposed amendments to Bill C-32, the Copyright Modernization Act, fails to recognize the significant role local radio plays in supporting Canadian music artists and local communities across Canada.

Private radio broadcasters applaud the efforts of the Government in tabling copyright legislation that aims to make Canada's copyright laws work for all stakeholders, including creators and innovative businesses like the radio industry.

Radio is the largest single payer of copyright in Canada.  This past year radio contributed $115M in direct funding and copyright payments. This direct funding is five times greater than the level it was just nine years ago (see chart: http://files.newswire.ca/919/CAB_Chart_(EN).pdf), and broadcasters are continuing to provide ongoing significant support to artists. In Bill C-32, the government has closed the loophole that forced radio broadcasters to make additional payments for purely technical digital file reproductions necessary to build on-air programming.

Closing this loophole will ensure that Canadian home grown radio artisans and the local musicians that they support are not sacrificed in favour of multi-billion dollar foreign companies, who are currently the beneficiaries of over 80% of the reproduction tariff paid by Canadian radio broadcasters.

"For over eighty years, Canadian private broadcasters have been the single most important marketing vehicle for Canadian artists," said Sylvie Courtemanche, Chair of the CAB. "The Liberals don't understand this issue and their proposed amendment to oppose the broadcaster exception will only provide small compensation to Canadian artists with most flowing out of the country. We have been waiting for reforms to Canada's copyright law for far too long. We urge the Liberals to recognize the balance provided to all sectors within the present Bill before Parliament."

Broadcasters will continue in their efforts to ensure that Parliamentarians understand that radio stations need an updated fair copyright law.   For more information, please consult www.cab-acr.ca.

For further information:

Sylvie Courtemanche
613-692-3177
[email protected]