AFTRA National Executive Director Hedgpeth Praises New Industry Copyright Alerts System

LOS ANGELES (July 7, 2011) — The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, today praised the announcement of a landmark, new Copyright Alerts system that will educate Internet service subscribers and notify them when their accounts are being used to download stolen copyrighted content. The innovative consumer education initiative will coordinate efforts through a new Center for Copyright Information and will provide Internet subscribers with a useful framework for understanding the importance of protecting copyrighted material online and joining in the fight against digital theft.

AFTRA National Executive Director Kim Roberts Hedgpeth said, "AFTRA members create the music, television programs and videogames that are among the most visible — and most universally known — forms of intellectual property in the world. The digital theft of the content that AFTRA members help create is rampant, and illegal file sharing costs 140,000 jobs and more than $5.5 billion annually. The new Copyright Alerts system and the Center for Copyright Information will play an important role in AFTRA’s mission to fight against digital theft by protecting our members' ability to earn a living as creative professionals contributing to the success of our nation's vibrant economy and culture."

For more information, please click here to visit the new Center for Copyright Information online: http://www.copyrightinformation.org/

About AFTRA
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, are the people who entertain and inform America. In 32 Locals across the country, AFTRA members work as actors, broadcasters, singers, dancers, announcers, hosts, comedians, disc jockeys and other performers across the media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings, music videos, commercials, audio books, non-broadcast industrials, interactive games, the Internet and other digital media. The 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters and recording artists of AFTRA are working together to protect and improve their jobs, lives and communities in the 21st century. From new art forms to new technology, AFTRA members embrace change in their work and craft to enhance American culture and society.