It's a done deal! Europe of Culture has demonstrated its power and determination to the Internet giants: the European Copyright Directive was finally adopted, promising an improved level of protection and remuneration for authors’ rights on the internet. This is a historic victory which should be enjoyed, but not taken for granted, because this important legislation must now be transposed into French law as quickly as possible to avoid any deviation.
I believe we must also thank all those who contributed to this victory. I'll start with our CEO, Jean-Noël Tronc, who worked tirelessly in this fight, with tremendous support from all the Sacem teams. I must also include the professional organisations representing songwriters, composers, and publishers, as well as the creators themselves, who rallied behind the same objective, namely: saving Europe of Culture. Writers, journalists, songwriters, composers, performers, screenwriters and film makers all worked together in harmony... We must also, of course, pay tribute to those MEPs who voted for this directive and were not influenced by the fake news of the GAFA-orchestrated campaign. Of these, we must pay special tribute to the MEP Jean-Marie Cavada, whose obstinacy and courage were decisive.
This directive certainly marks a very auspicious moment but other crucial issues must not be put on the back burner. These include support for the Centre National de la Musique (CNM) [French National Music Centre], the law concerning the public and private audiovisual sector whose funding is at issue, the quotas of francophone songs on radio playlists, a constant target of criticism, or threats to the songwriters' retirement system…
The CNM steering committee, under the leadership of Catherine Ruggeri, will have to take the wishes of every sector of the music industry into account; this will be no easy task. Once again, Sacem and its rights holders will have to make their voices heard.
At the centre of all Sacem-related concerns is the author, whose social status is as unclear as it is fragile. In this regard, the project entrusted to Bruno Racine by the Minister of Culture may be a cause for celebration. This study, which will focus on fostering a better understanding of the creator's status in society, may very well lead to proposals for new guidelines for public policy. Its results are expected before 15 November...
The day after the Sacem General Assembly, on 18 June, my fourth term of office and my presidency of the Sacem Board of Directors came to an end. I am, in fact, in a period in which I am ineligible for office, a so-called "dormant" year...
I would like to heartily thank all the members of the Board of Directors who helped me carry out my role as President. As I was well aware of the honour that had been bestowed upon me, devoting myself to Sacem, this organisation which we all want to see become ever more effective in France, Europe, and the world, was an immensely satisfying experience. Indeed, the international competition facing our collective management organisation demands the constant vigilance of its Board of Directors and its administration.
I am not worried about the future because I know how much we are all committed to Sacem’s continuing progress, on both the technological and on the human level.
In everything I do, even when I am ineligible for office, I will always strive to be worthy of the trust you have placed on me.
Jean-Marie Moreau
Songwriter, President of the Board of Directors (2018-2019)
Published September 26 2019