Promoting a Creative and Connected Future
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Themes from Yesterday’s Copyright Reform Hearing
Follow @sherwinpkParts of the debate are still missing from the discussion of copyright reform in Congress, but we’re starting to fill in the gaps. This includes the need to look at individual artists, creators, and users instead of the intermediaries and big incumbents.
Yesterday, I briefly summarized some of the major themes
coming from the witnesses in the House IP Subcommittee’s copyright reform
hearing. Since the witnesses covered those same points in their oral testimony,
I thought I’d devote this post to some of the themes that emerged from the
other side of the room—from the representatives in their statements and
questions.
Consumers Ready for State of Video to Change
Senators are challenged to think outside the industry talking points, to what consumers are saying loudly in their marketplace choices.
As a part of a series of hearings, the Senate Commerce
Committee held a hearing on the “State of Video” communications Tuesday May 14,
2013.
Leaders from the cable, satellite, and broadcast TV industries joined PK’s own video & media policy guru, John Bergmayer on the panel and made one thing very clear: These industries are making a fine profit right now and are not interested in having the power of the Internet change that.
Hearings such as this, that have (somewhat) balanced witness panels are very helpful because they remind us that no matter how much we are told through advertising that what cable, satellite, and broadcast are giving us is what we want, these companies are in the business of protecting their business. The technology that can increase competition and lower the price of cable is already available in online video. Millions of viewers are making this choice to take advantage of online video options today.
3D/DC II: 3D Printing Comes to Washington, DC
Apr 24, 2013 05:30 PM - Apr 24, 2013 07:30 PM
Location: Cafeteria of the Rayburn House Office Building
Come see the remarkable, disruptive technology of 3D printing in person. Chat with some of the people and companies that make it happen. Mingle with other 3D printing fans and curiosity seekers.
This is the second time PK has hosted the 3D printing community to come together in Washington, DC. Don't miss your chance this time around!
The 2013 PK Policy Symposium
Feb 26, 2013 10:00 AM - Feb 26, 2013 03:00 PMLocation: The US Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, DC
Join Public Knowledge for conversations on the future of internet, communications, and copyright policy. From "fixing" TV to copyright reform, we'll discuss obstacles and solutions to what are sure to be this year's most interesting policy questions. How do we ensure that broadband is a catalyst for growth? That the video marketplace has room to grow? That copyright balances the needs of creators with the needs of the public?
These questions go right to the heart of what PK cares about - and is working on every day. We hope you can join the debate!
Public Knowledge on T-Mobile Withdrawing Their Open internet Suit
Today, T-Mobile announced that it will withdraw the challenge to the FCC's Open Internet rules it inherited from its acquisition of MetroPCS.
The following statement can be attributed to Gigi B. Sohn, President and CEO.
"We're happy that T-Mobile has dropped MetroPCS's lawsuit challenging the Open Internet rules. The rules are working. While they're not perfect, they reassure Internet companies that they will be able to reach users, they give ISPs a framework under which they can manage their networks, and they provide a mechanism for working out disputes.
Public Knowledge To Testify in Senate State of Video Hearing
Tomorrow, Public Knowledge Senior Staff Attorney John Bergmayer will testify before the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet in the hearing titled "State of Video." In his testimony, Bergmayer will argue that while technology is changing the way people watch video, the regulatory system is holding back competition. As a result, most viewers still face high monthly cable bills. He will recommend that the Senate re-align the rules that govern the video marketplace so that they better serve the public interest, allowing all creators to be fairly compensated while bringing down bills and increasing choices for consumers.
Testimony of Public Knowledge Before the US Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet Hearing on the State of Video
Testimony
of John Bergmayer
Senior
Staff Attorney
Public
Knowledge
Before
the
U.S.
Senate
Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Technology
Subcommittee
on Communications, Technology, and the Internet
Hearing on “The State of Video”
May 14, 2013
preservesthe openness of the Internet and the public's access to knowledge, promotes creativity through balanced copyright, and upholds and protects the rights of consumers to use innovative technology lawfully.
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