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Letters to the Editor

Extending copyright only helps record companies

The issue concerning when popular media becomes public domain has become an item of considerable controversy in the past decade. My statements are in response to a Miami Herald article entitled “Congress should look at copyright extension law,” which was reproduced in the Jan. 28 issue of the TCU Daily Skiff. The author observes that the court faltered on the opportunity to restrict copyright protection and argues that the grant should be withdrawn.

The major proponent of this issue is the juggernaut Recording Industry Association for America (RIAA), who lobbies for the best interests of record labels.

The recording industry and associated big businesses have much to lose in the face of copyright expiration and piracy. Meanwhile, artists will continue to book venues and earn the income they deserve for their talents. As the cost of litigation increases, however, so will the cost of multimedia, further limiting public access to it. As a musician, I have given substantial attention to legislation concerning digital multimedia, and the government clearly has acted in the interest of big business rather than individual artists. I cannot support the recording industry’s efforts to assume credit and profit for artists’ works.

— Brandon D. Pitt, junior electrical engineering major