EFF's Cohn: Industry souring on DRM?

[unixronin]

"I think we're seeing a growing consensus that DRM isn't working," Cohn said. "I think DRM was a bad idea that had a heyday but that it will be fading away soon. The (entertainment companies) are learning that DRM is an anticompetitive tool that ultimately hurts their business."

Comments

[ithildae.livejournal.com]

That trend is amplified by the consolidation in radio station ownership. When I was a teen listening to music on the radio, the playlist of songs available was about 3000 - 4000 in any moderately large market. Today, the national playlist is 300 - 400, anywhere and everywhere. Less choice, less chance to find a good band or composer, less choice. All the major labels have are the studio manufactured types. Anyone with talent (or brains) is going indie to have a chance of being heard.

So the major studios have a stable full of duds, that they have to push harder. Sales are declining. Indications are that they still see the cause as piracy. As long as that equations holds true, DRM is their magic bullet.

OTOH, as soon as a major label comes up with a way to put songs in ears outside of the radio stations, they can up the artists presented and increase their shot at getting someone with talent. (Or at least finding more artists that appeal to more audience.) Technology should be the answer there too, but the piracy cry is drowning it out.

Remember that these decision makers are not stupid. They have been somewhat deluded and deceived by the DRM proponents. They have lots invested in DRM, including the DMCA. DRM was a "bet the company" type of commitment. Those decision do not get reversed lightly.