Statement in Support of the DOJ Decision on Consent Decrees

Washington, DC – Internet Association President and CEO Michael Beckerman issued the following statement in support of the DOJ’s decision to close its review of consent decrees:

“The internet industry applauds the DOJ’s decision regarding the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees. Competitive dynamics in the music licensing industry are more problematic today than when the consents were first put into place, making the case for the consents stronger than ever before. ASCAP and BMI’s market power is at an all time high and should not be left unfettered.

“The legal certainty and the careful guidance provided by DOJ maps out helpful rules of the road regarding access to creative works. This is particularly relevant for music delivered through the internet, which must be afforded fair and equal treatment by all actors in the digital music ecosystem. We are pleased that the DOJ Antitrust Division agrees with our position and we commend its common sense decision.”

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