Audio Broadcast Flag Introduced in Congress

Declan McCullagh writes "We found out in mid-2004 that the RIAA was lobbying the FCC for an audio version of the broadcast flag. But because a federal appeals court slapped down the FCC's video version last year, the RIAA needs to seek formal authorization from Congress. That process finally began today when the audio flag bill was introduced. It would hand the FCC the power to set standards and regulate digital and satellite radio receivers, and RIAA Chairman Mitch Bainwol says it strikes "a balance that's good for the music, good for the fans, and good for business." The text of the bill is available online."

Comments

Buy a radio now (if you think radio doesn't suck)

[cloudmaster]

Well, at least they're not gonna make old receivers illegal or inoperable. I guess that must be the part that "strikes a balance" which is "fair to consumers". If you think there'll ever be anything good on satelite radio, buy your hardware now... :)

(2) shall not make obsolete any devices already manufactured and distributed in the marketplace before the implementation of such regulations; and
(3) shall not be inconsistent with the customary use of broadcast content by consumers to the
extent such use is consistent with the purposes of this act and other applicable law.

Re:Bad for consumers and business

[cloudmaster]

It's bad for consumers because they are going to have to replace otherwise working radio equipment, right?

Not as written. That's why it's good to RTFA *before* posting...

(2) shall not make obsolete any devices already manufactured and distributed in the marketplace before the implementation of such regulations

Re:Bad for consumers and business

[BLKMGK]

I predict you'll be hearing from more than one person who has lost music transfering from one computer to another - I know I've talked to a few of them. Nothing like trying to move say 60 songs from one machine to another and afterwards only having 50 of them.....

I for one don't use iTunes and prefer to rip the USED CDs I buy instead. Screw 'em!

Fair use doctrine says you have the right to tape.

[texas]

But you don't have the right to tape them.

Who's a dolt? Fair use doctrine does indeed allow time shifting (recording for later playback). It was validated by SCOTUS in the early 80's Betamax case, and hasn't been overturned by any subsequent decisions. If you don't believe me, here's the EFF's take on it.

So I guess that makes you a dolt too, spouting off about that which you know so little. It's people like you who are willing to just take whatever bread crumbs they toss us that are allowing them to get away with crap like this in the first place. Get educated about your rights, or shut up.

Re:As usual,

[peragrin]

Um you better go reread copyright law again. You have a legal right to copy all music you want from the radio or TV.

As long as it's for yourself and you don't distribute that material.

the broadcast flag prevents such things. hell they want to make tivo illegal unless it's sanctioned.

I will listen to music or watch TV the way I want to not how I am told to by others.