Eleanor McEvoy and IMRO Call On Irish Politicians To Help Close Copyright Loophole That Gives Facebook and YouTube Free Rein

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has issued a final call to Irish MEPS to support proposals that will secure creators’ copyrights online. The call, which is strongly supported by the acclaimed singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy (pictured), Chair of IMRO, comes ahead of a crucial vote on European copyright measures.

Earlier this month, the European Parliament’s JURI Committee voted to accept proposals that close the copyright ‘loophole’ which allows certain technology companies – including YouTube and Facebook – to exploit creators’ rights in relation to user-uploaded content (Article 13 of the Copyright Directive). To date, these companies have not been required to fairly remunerate songwriters or music performers for the use of their work in user-uploaded content online.

Singer-songwriter and Chair of IMRO, Eleanor McEvoy, was among the music creators from across Europe who met with MEPs at an event in Brussels on Wednesday, to seek support for the new copyright package. Earlier, a petition with over 31,000 creators’ signatures, including 900 Irish signatories, was presented to attending MEPs.

Eleanor McEvoy Chair of IMRO is strong in her views on what is a vital issue for songwriters and composers. “As these proposals move to Plenary vote in early July, MEPs have a crucial opportunity to support the Irish music industry by ensuring creators receive a fair return for their works," she said. "Technology and music can, and do, work in harmony, and that’s great – but it has to be fair. Creators need to be paid for their work. I’m encouraged that the JURI Committee has recognised this and I would urge Irish MEPs to echo this support at Plenary by voting in favour of the copyright package.”

Victor Finn, the Chief Executive of IMRO was clear about the importance of this moment, sending out a strong message to Irish politicians. "This event marks the final stage in a sustained campaign by IMRO and our European counterparts,” he said, "to ask the political system in Ireland and beyond to value creativity and the arts, as much as technology.

"Our position has always been that sharing of content online is good for music – for fans and for artists,” he added. "What we are asking, is that like any professional in any sector, someone who writes, publishes and performs music gets a fair return for the use of their work. We hope for a positive outcome at Plenary and are seeking support of all Irish MEPs, Government and the wider political system to get this through. Ireland is known worldwide for our music. Now is the time to support it."

The ‘Countdown to Plenary’ event was hosted by the European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers (GESAC), which represents IMRO at European level. It was co-hosted by MEPs Jean-Marie Cavada and Axel Voss, with performances by Eleanor McEvoy and other musicians from across Europe.