03/23/2020
This past Friday afternoon (3/20), USDJA sent the email below (via the official House Representative's site), to Andy Harris, M.D., U.S. House Representative for Maryland's First District.
Please like, share, and contact your elected officials. Ask them to support DJs and other entertainers by either: working with streaming video platforms and major social media sites to eliminate sync licensing on live streamed DJ, band/artist, and music educator performances; or, eliminating royalty rights (through temporary Copyright/DCMA addendum bill). Let's hear those creative music sets and keep our citizens smiling! Stay safe and God Bless America!
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Good Afternoon Congressman Harris -
My name is Jason Walsh, life-long Maryland resident, resident of your District, and graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law.
In addition to operating a mobile DJ business (Bay Deejays), I am the President of the United States Disc Jockey Association, an association that is chartered in Maryland and operated in your district. We have over 900 member companies nationwide, and are one of two associations that specifically represent an industry estimated at 500,000 disc jockeys/DJs (professional and hobbyists).
Although there are many pressing issues before you, the Congress, and the President, I would respectfully request your assistance in either working with RIAA, ASCAP, SESAC, Facebook, Google, and Twitch (the primary parties), to permit, or announce waivers of, (if possible under U.S. Copyright / USPTO Laws): audio and video streaming content; for personal and non-profit use; of DJs and other entertainers using audio, music videos, and karaoke graphic, otherwise legally and commercially obtained; during the National Emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, for the duration of the announced National Emergency. If impossible - the Congress, could vote to revise the statutory mechanical copyright fees under the DMCA to "$.00001" for example, and work with major stakeholders to temporarily remove synchronization fees on major streaming platforms.
If a monetary platform to obtain gratuities (tips) is implemented for these service-industry members, the streaming services and IP holders would retain a portion of the DJ’s, artist’s, or group’s gratuity.
This action would raise the morale and spirits of a service-sector industry that is likely going to be reshaped by millions of cancelled or postponed events (especially during a profitable Spring prom and wedding season, coming off a 2-3 month seasonal hiatus for many event entertainers). This action would also keep people in their homes, watching their favorite local and national DJs, while not congregating in public spaces - but rather, using the Internet as a way of connecting virtually.
At a time of fear and uncertainty for some, which may span into multiple months, the U.S. can set the standard and show that we are not afraid of what is to come with this pandemic. Instead of negative news and social media streams filled with negative comments, potentially "fake" news, and countless "memes" of toilet paper and face masks, we can allow our DJs, and potentially the greater music community (consisting of millions of represented artists, bands, choirs, church groups, and educational music teachers/groups) that rely on daily or weekly practice, a space they need to bring joy to others and hone their craft(s). These groups should all be able to practice and perform without the fear of IP/copyright persecution when they cannot assemble in private gatherings, and they should not be forced to bankrupt the very businesses or organizations they represent in order to accomplish this need.
I invite you to reach out to me directly to further discuss and I am willing to assist with providing leads and contact information for the industry leadership that could assist in getting such a temporary measure passed (assuming there is no option for Executive Order).
Thank you so much for your leadership during these difficult and uncharted times and for your consideration of my request.
Regards,
Jason Walsh, President
U.S. Disc Jockey Association
www.usdja.org
[Personal contact information]
The United States Disc Jockey Association provides DJ education, business training, and local and national networking. USDJA provides benefits such as access to a group DJ insurance policy (liability & property) and discounts at various local and national retailers.
We help DJs with branding, marketing, regional networking, and customer service.
