Statement by David Chavern, News Media Alliance President & CEO
“We applaud today’s overwhelming House passage of H.R. 1695, the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act, which – if passed by the Senate – would, within the Copyright Office, establish a Copyright Register who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The bill would stabilize the role of Register by setting a term of 10 years for the position. The Copyright Register impacts the production of our members’ news media content, which must be protected by copyright laws that are enacted by Congress and implemented by the Copyright Office. As recognized by our U.S. Constitution, copyright protections are intended to provide a return on the creative process, including the enormous cost that goes into developing high-quality journalism. We believe this is the first step in a shift towards recognizing creators’ value and the news media industry that sustains an informed and democratic society. We strongly support this legislation and we urge the Senate to swiftly consider this bill and move it to the President’s desk.”
David Chavern is former President & CEO of the News/Media Alliance. Chavern has 30 years of experience in executive strategic and operational roles. Prior to the Alliance, he completed a decade-long tenure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
