CBC Bans Use of Creative Commons Music On Podcasts

An anonymous reader writes "The producers of the popular CBC radio show Spark have revealed (see the comments) that the public broadcaster has banned programs from using Creative Commons licenced music on podcasts. The decision is apparently the result of restrictions in collective agreements the CBC has with some talent agencies. In other words, groups are actively working to block the use of Creative Commons licenced alternatives in their contractual language. It is enormously problematic to learn that our public broadcaster is blocked from using music alternatives that the creators want to make readily available. The CBC obviously isn't required to use Creative Commons licenced music, but this highlights an instance where at least one of its programs wants to use it and groups that purport to support artists' right to choose the rights associated with their work is trying to stop them from doing so."

Comments

spark@cbc.ca

[gagol]

Send your concerns to spark@cbc.ca. Slashdotting their mail server would be appropriate.

My sent message:

The ban on creative commons works is appalling. You are publicly funded ans thus this shows a deep confilct of interests between you, who supposedly represent the public that fund your programming, and some agreements with private entities to suppress public work. You undermine the work of artists that are thinking ahead and are creating the next generation of thinking, creating and publishing model. As you know dinosaurs are now extincts, I believe you are no longer fit and do not represent our interests. I shall consequently actively lobby for the dismanteling of our once great public broadcaster to my federal representatives unless you correct your awful actions. With all my hearth I hope this will open your eyes.

Even a moron in a hurry...

[interval1066]

...should be able to see this for what it is; disallowing a particular licensing on music can't be a good thing for consumers no matter how the criminals paint it or how stupid consumers can be.

This is a classic

[XB-70]

To understand this issue, you have to understand the CBC. Make no mistake, the CBC is NOT about freedom or doing 'what's right' etc. etc. even though it is mostly funded by taxpayer's dollars.

The CBC is run by, for and of ACTRA union members. Interfere with their turf and you're in for a fight, buster! Go up against the CBC literati and you're doomed to crash back down in flames. Push against their pampered, plush lifestyles and you're pushing against the power of Canada's #1 media outlet.

In short, this issue will hardly see the light of day but, if it should get a moment of attention, it will be marginalized and set aside to rot on the newsroom floor.

Apart from that, I have no opinion. Good luck all you creative people!