New Law Could Limit Digital Music Libraries

WTOV9
Dec. 02, 2006

Congress is considering legislation that would make it illegal to program and record music from digital radios and transfer those songs to MP3 players -- something many music fans enjoy.

Supporters of the proposed law Audio Flag said it would ensure people are actually paying for digital music.

"In theory, as these hard drives get bigger and bigger in these devices, you can build an entire music library (and) never buy another CD," said Patrick Ross, a music industry analyst.

Some say MP3 players are putting record stores out of business, but analysts say if people record digital radio music on their computers or MP3 players, then musicians could go out of business, too. The theory is there wouldn't be anyone paying musicians to record music anymore.

The proposed law protects musicians, but could pinch music fans.

"To music fans, it would limit what they could do and music they could acquire. They wouldn't be able to record their satellite radio programming which they pay for," said Veronica O'Connell of the Consumer Electronics Association.

Industry analysts said the Senate could debate the Audio Flag law before new leaders take over Congress.

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