Artists decry EU's copyright directive
Campaign by European stars unable to change vote
The European Parliament voted Wednesday to support proposals that give much less protection than was hoped for by rights holders.
The EU's copyright directive governs how music and video is distributed via the Internet.
"In the digital environment, a copy is a real clone of the original. This directive could have been tougher," said Francesca Greco, director of European artists' group Artis Geie.
Artists' bid fall short
A last-minute campaign mounted by European stars at France's Parliament, including an appearance by legendary Beatles producer George Martin and support from Irish band the Corrs along with Brit producer Duncan Kenworthy ("Four Weddings and a Funeral"), was not enough to steer the vote off course.
However, the Intl. Federation for the Phonographic Industry said it regarded the parliament's conclusion as a "workable proposal."
"This will be to the benefit of artists and consumers alike," said Jay Berman, chairman-CEO of IFPI.
After three years of wrangling, the directive must receive a final seal of approval by EU governments before it becomes law in a few months.
