Agencies Posted online: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 1855 hours IST
New Delhi, October 13: Mr Vijay J Lazarus has taken over as the full time president of the Indian Music Industry. The music industry has appointed Mr Lazarus in an effort to resurrect itself from the black out it was heading for due to music piracy.
The appointment comes as a booster dose to the Rs.1800 crores loss laden (over the last 3 years) music industry in its crusade against piracy. In his current capacity Mr Lazarus will serve a dual responsibility as full time president of the Indian Music Industry (IMI) and also President of the Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL - the exclusive Copyright Society of the recording industry).
Speaking on the announcement, Mr Vijay J Lazarus said, "The Indian music industry has been going through a very tough phase due to the rampant piracy, but IMI's relentless efforts have paid off and our cause has generated momentum over the years. At IMI, we believe that the Indian music industry has immense growth potential to sustain not only the music companies and the artistes, but also play a part in the development of the economy. “
“The music industry in USA contributes about 5% to its GDP annually. We believe that with sustained efforts at curbing piracy and reformed laws and policies, we can turn around this depleting state and revive the rich cultural heritage of Indian music that we almost lost to piracy. I am confident that we can not only better the USA average by contributing effectively to the growth of the country, but also take Indian music and its artistes to greater echelons around the globe," he said.
Ironically, the Indian music industry is the fifth largest consumer of music units in the world (181.1 million units), but due to rampant piracy and lack of deterrent punishment to pirates and other issues being faced by IMI, it lacks way behind at no 18 in the world in terms of music value (0.6% of world sales). The time is thus appropriate for Indian Music Industry (IMI) to fight its way back from several years of plummeting sales brought on by music piracy; high rate of taxes; online downloads and competing forms of entertainment such as FM Radio, Multiple Music Television Channels, Video Games and DVD's.
With IMI's anti piracy efforts, the law enforcement agencies of the country have been sensitised about the evils of piracy and the consumer is being made aware of the issues that the music companies are facing. “The next step is to take this battle against piracy to newer dimensions. A complete re-organisation of IMI's activities is being brought about that will reflect the present realities of the business. New initiatives in legal and enforcement actions are being aimed at enhancing the non-physical format revenues,” he said.
“The need of the hour is seeking strategic governmental intervention for the amendment of the Copyright Act as well as appeals for exemptions and relief's from levies. Towards this cause, introduction of a stringent licensing regime for the commercial use of music under Collective Administration and the active monetisation of revenues from existing and new streams will be the major thrust areas for the music Industry in its efforts for a turnaround,” he said.
The Indian Music Industry (IMI) is a consortium of over 50 music companies including several prominent regional and national labels such as SAREGAMA, Universal Music, Tips, Venus, BMG Crescendo, Sangeetha, Sony Music, Virgin, Aditya Music acting through their principal officers and representing over 75% of the output in legitimate recordings and a wide range of musical repertoire. IMI strives to protect the rights of phonogram producers and in the process promote the development of musical culture.
IMI represents the recording industry of India and is affiliated to IFPI the World Industry body having 1,450 members in 75 countries and Industry Organisations in 48 countries. While PPL is the exclusive Copyright Society engaged in the business of music licensing of the recording industry, with affiliates in 45 countries of the World.
