The Best Curated Panel Ever?

OK, we know it’s been a while since we’ve talked about net neutrality. But we figured you could use a break. Not that it’s not still relevant — actually, the reason we’ve blogged about the issue so much in the past is because net neutrality — the principle that protects the open internet —is crucial to artists and fans. Today’s musicians depend on the web to reach potential audiences without the interference of gatekeepers, toll collectors and middlemen — which could change if net neutrality goes away.

There have been some promising signs that net neutrality is here to stay, but the fight to preserve the open internet is far from over. (Need a recap? Have a look at our Rock the Net campaign, previous blog posts and our net neutrality fact sheet.)

So, with all this in mind, we figured you might want to check out this discussion sponsored by the Pop Montreal Symposium (a Canadian organization that fosters discussion about music industry issues.) This event took place back in October of 2008, and was moderated by FMC founder and General Counsel, Walter McDonough. Joining Walter in the feisty back-and-forth were music artist Keith Serry, Alain Brunet of the Creators Coalition, NDP MP candidate and journalist Anthony Hamond and technology journalist Anne Lagacé-Dowson. (Walter called this the “best curated panel in the history of panels,” so you know it’s gotta be interesting, at least!)

The conversation touched on issues ranging from the future of the recording industry, the iTunes, illegal file sharing and. . . renowned music authors who were former deadheads? Oh, yeah — and net neutrality is in there somewhere, too.