Re:Create Recap – October 20, 2016

Public Records In Danger After University Of Iowa Claims Copyright. The University of Iowa recently blocked footage from its 2008 flooding for use in a documentary, reported the Des Moines Register on Oct. 19. In University of Iowa claims copyright law to block use of flood video, Jason Clayworth explains how, if successful, the Universities claim to block use of the footage for educational purposes can endanger public records. “It can’t be the case that copyright law enables every state entity to withhold every single record they generate,” said Adam Marshall, an attorney for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, a First Amendment advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. “That would totally eviscerate the public records laws.”

European Experts Agree: Draft Copyright Directive Is “Unfit For 21st Century.” Politico recently convened a group of 37 European experts to weigh in on the EU’s proposed copyright directive who heavily criticized the draft, with the overwhelming majority describing the proposals as “unfit for the 21st century.” The group was comprised of political leaders and representatives from tech companies, Hollywood and NGOs. “Search engines and publishers operate in a symbiotic relationship,” said one member. “Without search engines to direct users toward content, publishers lose readers and revenue, and without publishers the search engines have no links. Instead of resolving an injustice, such a levy fails to provide economic benefits for either party.” Other issues that critics have raised include freedom of panorama and copyright restrictions in education.

How The Music Industry Stifles Innovation. According to PitchBook, since 1997, only seven companies out of the 175 digital music ventures created and funded have achieved meaningful returns to investors. Equating to a 4% success rate, it pales in comparison to other digital startups spaces such as eCommerce, SaaS, and mobile. In a Medium post, venture capitalist David Parkman explains how the music industry has hampered innovation, leaving only large corporations in control of digital music. “High royalty rates and up-front cash advances required by the record companies prevent profitable, sustainable businesses from emerging… [and have] prevented a healthy ecosystem from emerging.”

New Hampshire Public Radio Discusses The Future Of The Library Of Congress. On Monday, New Hampshire Public Radio’s “Word of Mouth” hosted a discussion with journalist Kyle Chayka on the future of the Library of Congress. In the 10-minute segment, Kyle touches on the history of the Library and how newly appointed Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden brings a tech savvy, progressive face to the centuries-old institution. You can listen to the interview here.

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