JaRIA's advocacy plans

The Jamaica Recording Industry Association (JaRIA), in association with the Ministry of Sports Youth and Culture, announced the launch of Jamaica's official programme of activities for Reggae Month 2011 on January 31.

This year's theme is 'From the Root, to the World'. Maybe even more important than the events is the incorporation of JaRIA's awareness and advocacy campaign - 'Save The Music Campaign'.

Below is a list of the goals of the campaign:

a. Putting in place legislative and institutional measures necessary to bring about the end of payola practices in all forms of media.

b. Bringing about the necessary amendments to the Noise Abatement Act to preserve local nightlife culture and foster the growth of licensed, purpose-built entertainment spaces.

c. Reasserting the importance of respecting the artistes' legal right of attribution for musical works as used in public places and by mass media.

d. Bringing back the playlist as an integral part of radio station practice and procedure.

e. Increasing music education in schools and facilitate the preservation of local musical forms.