RIAA - Its Role In Music Industry
Electronics - iPhones and iPods
Written by Susan Reynolds   
Thursday, 25 June 2009 07:42
RIAA is an acronym of Recording Industry Association of America. The association is a groping of various large companies who deal with the recording and music distribution in the United States of America. In the 1950's the primary concern of this association was maintaining the quality of music. However now the focus has shifted to the copyright protection which has become the main thrust area of the association.
by SusanReynolds


RIAA is an acronym of Recording Industry Association of America. The association is a groping of various large companies who deal with the recording and music distribution in the United States of America. In the 1950's the primary concern of this association was maintaining the quality of music. However now the focus has shifted to the copyright protection which has become the main thrust area of the association.

The change in priorities has taken place because of frequent unauthorized and illegal copy or download of music that has copy right restriction to it. The movement is presently conducted under Mitch Bainwol. In the 1990's Napster which was an an online music file sharing service was accessible and people downloaded any kind of music from it without any cost. They would freely download, burn and share music with friends. With the advance of computer technology the issue of copyright protection became more and more sharp.

RIAA was forced to take the step of banning online music sharing services such as Napster. To prevent illegal and unauthorized download of music a set of laws was put in place. In the early 2000 severe laws were framed which sought to put restrictions on activities like illegal download or even purchasing pirated CD's. Youth were specifically marked by RIAA to be prevented from downloading music which was an infringement of copyrights.

RIAA is vigorously active on the front of preventing misuse of music in violation of copyrights. But in fairness it must be stated that all do not agree with its stated objective. It has been pointed out by those not in agreement that during the time online services like Napster available the number of CDs sold was far greater. It has also been criticized for poorly compensating artists while in contrast they make huge margins of profit.

RIAA has also been blamed by opponents for its lawsuits against blameless people. Lawsuit filed against a kid of age about 12, an aged woman nearly 83 years in age and one against a woman in her 60's who could hardly use computer have been cited as example of high handedness. Credibility of RIAA has suffered big erosion on account of such actions.

RIAA approves of latest tools and technologies which are emerging in the market and which may help in promotion of piracy of music. The organization is of the opinion that it is the people who should be blamed for misusing technology instead of other way round.

Generally people are unsure of their feelings towards RIAA. Some are opposed to its actions and criticize it on many scores, but on the other hand there are many who welcome its efforts. In spite of a lack of consistent view about it amongst people in general it has to be accepted that in the last few years it has made remarkable progress.

Many people find the tactics of RIAA unacceptable in spite of RIAA puts a brave defense. Many feel that the policies of RIAA may result in death of music.

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