Copyright Legislation To Get Modern Makeover
Copyright Legislation To Get Modern Makeover
May 15th, 2006: Proposed changes to copyright legistlation could see a relaxation of restrictions on format shifting, and allow consumers to move content such as music, newspapers and books around various digital devices.
Where once it was illegal to record television and radio programs for later playback, if the changes are approved consumers will be able to legally record and copy content from TV, radio, CD’s and printed materials into digital format for personal viewing.
“Copyright is important and should be respected,” says Attorney-General Philip Ruddock. “That is why the government is updating our laws to keep pace with technology. “These are commonsense amendments which will maintain Australia's copyright laws as the best in the world, for the benefit of our creators and other copyright owners.”
The proposed legislation also removes the cap on licensing fees radio stations pay record companies. A move which has surprised the commercial radio industry.
The Attorney-General says that there “is no reason why a statute should determine what the rate should be for music played on the radio.” However, Commercial Radio Australia chief executive Joan Warner told the Sydney Morning Herald that “this could lead to spiralling payments by radio stations to record companies."
“It is of significant concern that the federal government has chosen to take the side of the multi-billion dollar global record industry over Australian radio stations at a time when costs are rising and revenues are unstable for the local industry, particularly for radio broadcasters in regional areas.”
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