by Dr. David C Lowery

DOJ Should Investigate Google/YouTube Bullying of Indie Labels. If Not? Congress should investigate DOJ.

What does Google have to do to finally get the anti-trust and anti-competitive practices scrutiny it deserves?

If the facts being reported in this Guardian article are correct  Google/YouTube has clearly crossed the line.  The Guardian reports:

“WIN, which represents independent labels worldwide, claims that YouTube is approaching labels directly with a “template contract” and threatening that if they do not sign it, all their music videos will be blocked on YouTube.It also claims the terms of the contract are non-negotiable, and undervalue the music of these labels in comparison to Spotify, Rdio, Deezer and other subscription streaming services.”

So YouTube is using it’s video monopoly to leverage concessions in the music streaming marketplace?  Sure looks like it. This is by definition an anti-competitive practice.   How f—ing blatant do you have to be to get the DOJ’s attention?  If the DOJ does not investigate perhaps Congress needs to investigate the DOJ?   If the feds can’t get it done it’s time for the State AG’s need to look into this.

If you are an independent musician or you own an indie label consider contacting your congressman, state AG office or the DOJ.

To write your congressman:

http://www.contactingthecongress.org

To find your state Attorney’s General:

http://www.naag.org/current-attorneys-general.php

To report anti-trust concerns directly to the DOJ:

http://www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html#document

 

 

 

6 thoughts on “DOJ Should Investigate Google/YouTube Bullying of Indie Labels. If Not? Congress should investigate DOJ.”

  1. Serious question; what’s the best procedure for those of is based in the UK/EU (I’m assuming Google is doing this globally), I take it, same thing but wherever you live, yeah?

      2. Actually I correct myself. Since music is a global marketplace you are competing in US markets. US law protects you as well. I think you can complain to US DOJ.. What can it hurt.

      3. I’ll do both, with the same well formed letter, thanks once again. The more people who send complaints in, the more likely something is to happen, I would hope.

  2. What does Google have to do to finally get the anti-trust and anti-competitive practices scrutiny it deserves?

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