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REM Comes Out for Net Neutrality

April 5, 2007 on 9:38 am | In IdBlog, Spin | Add a Comment

REM and a coalition of progressive musicians have signed on to a new initiative called Rock The Net.

Rock The Net is a side project of the Future of Music Coalition, a grassroots group of musicians looking for a better method of rights management than that put forth by the RIAA. This is the statement from Rock The Net’s site:

Rock the Net is a nationwide coalition of musicians and labels that support net neutrality. We come together at this critical time to demonstrate to Congress and the FCC the music community’s broad support for this principle. As musicians and entrepreneurs, we understand the importance of treating all websites equally — from the busiest online music store to the smallest blog. We urge Congress to support network neutrality.

In addition to REM, name bands like Pearl Jam, Death Cab for Cutie and the Kronos Quartet have signed up. Check the Rock The Net site for upcoming shows.

Meanwhile, action in Congress seems to be stalled. The Democratic landslide in last November’s election bodes well for supporters of Net Neutrality, but no legislation has emerged from the Commerce Committee to address this issue.