Recording Industry Association of America

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) supports and promotes the creative and financial strength of the major music companies. The members are record companies that are passionate about the mission of the RIAA.  Licensing, Freedom of Speech and FBI Seal are just some of the topics that the company is interested in; but the most recent issue, one that is becoming very popular is music theft, also known as piracy.  

Piracy has become a bigger issue with the start of technology. Due to today’s technology savvy society,  more people are illegally uploading and downloading copyrighted materials, than years past. There are even online sites that encourage these illegal uploads and downloads. Even vendors at a flea market are at fault when they copy CDs to sell. This mixture of piracy has hurt not only the artists but also songwriters, musicians and record label employees. The entire music industry is suffering from piracy. RIAA is trying to prevent more people from using these methods. Record companies have teamed up  with different digital partners offering a wide range of  legal ways for the consumer to purchase music digitally. For example, they pair companies that offer ringtone, ringbacks, wallpapers, podcasts and other digital projects. iTunes and Rhapsody are two examples of licensed  online music subscription sites.

The RIAA is a multi-dimensional company taking on different missions. The independent record labels that are involved with the company directly support  these missions.  Each label supports  important issues by holding events to educate the consumers about the RIAA. Right now the RIAA is starting a new campaign about the gift of music. It is giving artists a chance to share how music touched their lives. Fans are also able to tell how music has touched their lives. There is an interactive website were consumers can go to access the information about the campaign.

Overall, the RIAA c has a major influence on society. It is working hard to combat issues that face the music industry, including piracy. Through campaigns that educate consumers to promoting the importance of music, RIAA works tirelessly to support artists, musicians, record labels, and all other members of the music industry family.