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A group of more than 15 media and industry organisations has called on the Government to "save Britain's creative industries by clamping down on illegal downloading".
In an open letter published in several newspapers today, the coalition warns Gordon Brown that failing to harden policy against the use of peer-to-peer sharing sites could lead to widespread job losses in TV, film and music.
It comes ahead of the publishing of Lord Carter's Digital Britain report, in which the communications minister will issue a set of guidelines for regulating the changing media landscape.
The letter says illegal filesharing is not a "victimless crime", but one that results in revenue losses that mean "fewer films, songs and TV programmes [are] commissioned".
The letter says: "The Government report is Gordon Brown's golden opportunity to tackle this growing threat and, at the 11th hour, to save the future of the UK creative industries."
A preliminary report from Lord Carter in January suggested that new guidelines would involve internet service providers collecting information on "serious repeat offenders".
Reader views (5)
Oh please. A significant number of people who work in the film and music industry don't get paid because the production companies stiff them not because of illegal downloading
And no I don't download films or music illegally, I buy them. I just don't like the holier than thou attitude from some of the biggest crooks on the block.
And yes I AM owed money by two film production companies for films I worked on, and no I've no hope of ever seeing it.
- Thalia, London
Cap, London. I think Gordarn should think twice before going down this path and locking people up. He is going to upset more people than he imagine, oops guess thats never stopped him before. Like he cares what the public thinks. Perhaps the media companies should become banks and Gordy can just give them some of OUR money
- Gary, Brentwood 2
I am sure he will pick it up if he can tax the outcome.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke
JOE PUBLIC IS URGED TO SINK GORMLESS BROWN.
NOTHING BUT A SLIPPERY HYPOCRITE.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK
Isn't it about time that the overpaid media companies stopped lobbying, started to offer their products at sensible prices, and reward the artistes better ?
As for 'costing them money', how many would actually buy the over-priced tripe that they provide (especially after they've had the opportunity to 'preview' the product?)
Go to see the music live, buy the music direct from the performers and cut out these parasites.
- Cap, London
