text:
Focus on …
SUISA
Tag Archives: Elections
Wanted: New member for the Distribution and Works Committee
How are collections distributed to authors and publishers? Who receives how much and from which usages of their works? Such questions are the focal points of the specification of duties of SUISA's Distribution and Works Committee. In this governing body, suggestions are worked out which influence the allocation of the collections. Are you interested in co-determining the business and to sit on the committee? If that's the case, we look forward to your application by 30 November 2019. Text by Regula Greuter
The members of the SUISA Distribution and Works Committee are elected by the General Assembly. (Photo: Sibylle Roth)
Due to the stepping down of a member of the Distribution and Works Committee (DWC), a new member needs to be elected during SUISA's next General Assembly at the Bierhübeli in Berne on 26 June 2020.
So that the weighting of the various categories is safeguarded, the interested candidate should come from the publishers' ranks.
Are you interested in co-determining SUISA's future? Would you like to have the opportunity to directly influence the business activities of SUISA and to help steer the business? If that's the case, please apply for this vacant position!
Candidates' requirements
If you are a SUISA member with an active and passing voting right, you fulfil one of the requirements for a candidacy. You should understand the future impact of decisions taken today and not only represent your own interests but also those of other authors and publishers. The DWC meetings take place twice a year, in Berne, which means that you need to cater for one day per meeting (including travel to and from the venue and a joint lunch). The preparation time for such meetings includes the thorough study of the meeting documents which are made available electronically.
Who or what is the Distribution and Works Committee?
The DWC is a committee of the SUISA General Assembly and consists of 22 members who represent all music genres, regions and languages of Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Composers, music publishers and lyricists sit on the committee. Finally, a balanced age and gender mix is also paramount.
You can see a list of the current committee members on the SUISA website.
Duties of the DWC
The Distribution and Works Committee is dealing primarily with questions on the distribution which is governed by the distribution rules. It performs the following duties:
Checks the provisions of the Distribution Rules and their implications on distribution proceeds;
Proposes amendments to the Distribution Rules to the Board;
As a first instance, handles appeals against Executive Committee decisions on the classification of broadcasting programmes, copyrightability of works and arrangement of non-protected works;
Evaluates in an advisory capacity unauthorised adaptations of protected works and cases of plagiarism.
Are you interested in a candidacy? If that's the case, we look forward to your application by 30 November 2019.
SUISA, Mercedes Molina, Bellariastrasse 82, CH-8038 Zürich
E-mail: mercedes.molina (at) suisa (dot) ch
If you need any further information, please contact Ms Irène Philipp Ziebold, COO: 044 485 68 00
Changes in distribution for Common Tariff K and Z revenues – The CHF 20 limit for the distribution of revenues under Common Tariffs K (concerts) and Z (circuses) has been eliminated. As a result, amounts previously allocated to distribution category 4C will be otherwise regulated. The changes concern points 4.1, 4.2, 5.4 and 5.5 of SUISA's Distribution Rules. Read more
A look back at the SUISA General Meeting 2019 – Around 150 voting SUISA members attended the annual General Meeting on 21 June 2019 at the Kongresszentrum in Biel to help determine the direction of their cooperative. Among their decisions was the election of Sylvie Reinhard and Grégoire Liechti to the Board of Directors. SUISA members also passed a resolution for fair conditions for music creators in connection with the revision to the copyright law. Read more
Publishing agreements: What do I need to consider? – Publishing agreements in Switzerland are governed by the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) The respective statutory provisions on it are, however, not very detailed. In the case of music publishing agreements in particular, you cannot simply rely on the law. Besides, the contractual parties may also stipulate their own arrangements in the agreement. So what do you have to be aware of with respect to publishing agreements? Read more
Collapse article
This article was posted in SUISA.
Tags: General Assembly, Cooperative society, Plagiarism, SUISA, Publisher, Distribution, Distribution and Works Committee, Distribution rules, Elections
Acquisition date: 04.10.2019 by Manu Leuenberger
All comments will be moderated. This may take some time and we reserve the right not to publish comments that contradict the conditions of use.
Due to the stepping down of a member of the Distribution and Works Committee (DWC), a new member needs to be elected during SUISA's next General Assembly at the Bierhübeli in Berne on...read more
A look back at the SUISA General Meeting 2019
Around 150 voting SUISA members attended the annual General Meeting on 21 June 2019 at the Kongresszentrum in Biel to help determine the direction of their cooperative. Among their decisions was the election of Sylvie Reinhard and Grégoire Liechti to the Board of Directors. SUISA members also passed a resolution for fair conditions for music creators in connection with the revision to the copyright law. Text by Giorgio Tebaldi
SUISA members during voting for the Board of Directors for the period 2019-2023 at SUISA's 2019 General Meeting, 21 June 2019, in the Concert Hall of the Kongresszentrum, Biel. (Photo: Sibylle Roth)
'Spherical, but more angular than trip hop, more emotionally charged than pop music and as organic as folk' – that's how SUISA Vice President Marco Zanotta described Zurich musician Annakin, who opened SUISA's General Meeting. Together with guitarist Simon Rupp, Philipp Kuhn on keyboards and beatboxer Marzel (alias Marcel Zysset), Annakin – otherwise known as Ann Kathrin Lüthi – played songs from her latest album The End of Eternity, as well as 'Sting Of Love' from her 2014 album Stand Your Ground.
While the stage was being rearranged after the brief concert, the assembled SUISA members, guests and SUISA employees were able to watch a video that explained how 'She Got Me', the Swiss entry to the Eurovision Song Contest sung by Luca Hänni, came about. The song was written in June 2018 at the SUISA Songwriting Camp by SUISA member Luca Hänni with Canadian songwriters Laurell Barker and Frazer Mac and Swedish producer Jon Hällgren. 'She Got Me' reached an outstanding fourth place at the Eurovision grand final, has been streamed more than 30 million times and topped the Swiss single charts.
https://blog.suisa.ch/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Dirtydancing-GV-edition-FINAL-BLOG-EN.mp4
More women in music
In his welcoming address, SUISA President Xavier Dayer took the occasion of the Swiss women's strike, which had taken place a week before, as impetus to discuss the proportion of women in music. Women currently represent 16% of SUISA members – leaving plenty of room for improvement. This is one of the reasons that SUISA entered into a partnership with Helvetiarockt in 2019, and invited the coordination and networking centre for jazz, pop and rock musicians to bring an information stand to the general meeting.
Members then approved the Annual Report and Management Report. Also approved were SUISA's first-ever consolidated accounts, reflecting contributions from the two subsidiaries SUISA Digital Licensing AG and Mint Digital Services in 2018. The general meeting also discharged the Board of Directors, the management team and statutory auditor, and confirmed the mandate for the auditor BDO for 2019.
Sylvie Reinhard and Grégoire Liechti elected to the SUISA Board of Directors
For long-serving Board members Bertrand Liechti and Marco Zanotta, this was their last General Meeting – they are retiring from the SUISA Board after 20 years due to the term limit. In their place, SUISA members elected Sylvie Reinhard, an entrepreneur and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the digital magazine 'Republic', and Geneva-based music publisher Grégoire Liechti to the Board of Directors. The other 12 Board members, along with the members of the Distribution and Works Committee, were confirmed in office with no objections. At the recommendation of the SUISA Board, the general meeting also elected Marco Zanotta to the ComplaintsCommittee, which was established in 2018.
With the revision in 2018 of SUISA's Articles of Association and the associated extended responsibilities of the General Meeting, the assembled members voted for the first time on compensation regulations for members of the Board and its committees, and on SUISA's general investment policy.
Resolution calling for fair copyright legislation
Guest speaker Géraldine Savary, federal councillor and member of the SUISA Board, talked about the ongoing revision of Switzerland's copyright legislation. In particular, she touched on two points that are critical for music creators. First – if the National Council has its way – hoteliers, owners of holiday homes, hospitals and prisons would not be required to pay copyright fees if their guests, patients or inmates listen to music or watch films on the radio/television devices provided. Second, the new copyright law stipulates a compensation regulation for video on demand (VoD) services that would work in favour of film-makers but would be counter-productive for music creators, as they have already negotiated contractual solutions with the VoD platforms. Accordingly, the use of music must be excluded from this new VoD regulation. The General Meeting passed a resolution in order to draw National Council attention to the importance of these two points in its forthcoming autumn session.
This was followed by updates on the current financial year from Vincent Salvadé, Irène Philipp Ziebold and Andreas Wegelin. Urs Schnell, Director of FONDATION SUISA, then reported on how SUISA's music promotion foundation had performed in the financial year.
At about 2 pm, Xavier Dayer brought the General Meeting to a close and gave notice of the next General Meeting, which will take place on Friday, 26 June 2020 at the Bierhübeli in Bern.
Afterwards, participants enjoyed a light lunch in the foyer of the Kongresszentrum, an opportunity for SUISA employees, guests and colleagues to talk, sign resolutions, find out about Helvetiarockt projects at the organisation's stand or even initiate new projects.
Adapting federal copyright law to digital usage – On 26 March 2019, after months of protest on the streets and in the Internet community, the European Parliament approved the proposal for a new EU Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market. Revision of copyright law in Switzerland and the EU: where are the similarities, where are the differences? Read more
"Get Going!" goes into its second round: "We definitely have our fingers on the pulse of our age" – Last year, FONDATION SUISA awarded four innovation grants under the title "Get Going!" for the first time in order to promote groundbreaking creative concepts outside the usual boxes. The positive reactions that were received were overwhelming. At the end of June 2019, the call for contributions enters its second round. Read more
SUISA membership in numbers – More than 38,000 authors and publishers have instructed SUISA with the management of their rights. Where are they from, how old are they and are there more men or women who are composers? The figures and graphics below provide an insight into SUISA's membership structure. Read more
Tags: Complaints Committee, General Assembly, Cooperative society, Executive committee, Membership, Foundation for music promotion, SUISA, Dates, Copyright review, Distribution and Works Committee, Collective management organisation, Board, Elections
Acquisition date: 20.07.2019 by Giorgio Tebaldi
'Spherical, but more angular than trip hop, more emotionally charged than pop music and as organic as folk' – that's how SUISA Vice President Marco Zanotta described Zurich musician Annakin, who opened...read more
Everyone come and join us at our General Assembly in Biel/Bienne
Dear members, on 21 June 2019, it's that time of the year again. At our General Assembly, you will have the opportunity to contact the executives of your cooperative society SUISA and to co-determine the future of your collective management organisation. On that day, we hope that we see a lot of you in Biel/Bienne. By Andreas Wegelin, CEO
Co-determine the future of your collective management organisation and find out about your cooperative society's news first hand when you attend the SUISA General Assembly. (Photo: Sibylle Roth)
At the upcoming General Assembly, two new Board members need to be elected and – for the first time in SUISA's history – consolidated financial statements need to be approved. SUISA applied new structures for itself with a view to the digital age where listening to recorded music via the internet constantly gains importance. On the one hand, the parent company is involved in a joint venture with the US-American society SESAC, on the other hand, online licences are now issued on a global basis via a subsidiary company called SUISA Digital Licensing, based in Liechtenstein.
Be informed first hand when it comes to the latest developments in copyright legislation. Both at European as well at Swiss levels, there is a lot in motion. The European legislative proposal has, above all, driven mainly young internet users to protest on the internet and in the streets. Fired up by social media platforms, it is alleged that freedom of expression was seriously at risk because of the new copyright.
What really is happening with respect to the protection of authors and their works during the exchange on the global internet marketplace is featured on our SUISAblog for you to read, and you can also hear about it first hand at our General Assembly, among others from Géraldine Savary, member of the Swiss Council of States.
Our FONDATION SUISA, the foundation for Swiss music, has also chosen to follow new paths: Instead of granting awards to musicians that are already known, start-up funding is intended to ensure that more new music projects are brought into the limelight. I hope you have a rewarding reading on our SUISAblog and would be very pleased to personally welcome you on Friday, 21 June 2019 at our General Assembly in Biel/Bienne.
Click here for the registration form of the General Assembly.
Overall, a positive financial year 2018 – The SUISA Board and its Committees for Tariffs and Distribution as well as for Organisation and Communication met for their regular spring sessions on 9 and 10 April 2019 at the SUISA head office in Zurich. The most important topic during the spring meeting are traditionally the resolutions concerning the financial statements of the past year for submission to the General Assembly. SUISA publishes two financial statements in accordance with the Standard Swiss GAAP FER from this year onwards. Read more
SUISA General Assembly: Our members' opinion counts – SUISA's General Assembly takes place in the Kongresszentrum Biel (concert hall) on 21 June 2019. For the first time, two financial statements will be presented to the General Assembly; a novelty in SUISA's history. Furthermore, there are elections on the agenda: The entire Board needs to be newly elected, as does the Distribution and Works Committee; there are also by-elections for the Complaints Committee. Read more
When SUISA does politics – SUISA and the other Swiss rights administration societies have never been as actively involved in politics as in 2018. But is it really justified for SUISA to become engaged in politics? The revision of copyright law certainly has something to do with SUISA's political engagement. But the rights administration societies have also taken a stand on numerous other issues: the "No Billag" initiative, gambling legislation, revision of telecommunications law, various parliamentary motions and initiatives, etc. Read more
Tags: General Assembly, Cooperative society, Executive committee, Membership, Foundation for music promotion, SUISA, Dates, Copyright review, Collective management organisation, Board, Elections, Work exploitation on the internet
Gerhard Hählen says:
Wie kommt man zu einem Anmeldeformular für die GV und mit Programm der GV? Seit ich die digitale Version der Kommunikation angemeldet habe, kriege ich kein Anmeldeformular für die GV mehr?!?
Giorgio Tebaldi says:
Guten Tag Herr Hählen
Sie können sich online über diesen Link anmelden: https://forms.suisa.ch/frontend-server/form/provide/2401?lang=de
Weitere Informationen zur Generalversammlung finden Sie auch unter http://www.suisa.ch/generalversammlung.
Giorgio Tebaldi, SUISA Kommunikation
E.Rick Sommer says:
Liebe SUISA am 21. Juni ist die GV in Biel könnten Sie vielleicht die Uhrzeit angeben wann beginnt die GV
mit Freundlichen Gruss Rick
Lieber Rick
Die GV beginnt um 11 Uhr, Türöffnung ist um 9:45.
Weitere Informationen sowie den Link zum Online-Anmeldeformular für die GV findest Du unter http://www.suisa.ch/generalversammlung
At the upcoming General Assembly, two new Board members need to be elected and – for the first time in SUISA's history – consolidated financial statements need to be approved. SUISA applied new structures for itself with a view to the digital age where listening to...read more
Overall, a positive financial year 2018
The SUISA Board and its Committees for Tariffs and Distribution as well as for Organisation and Communication met for their regular spring sessions on 9 and 10 April 2019 at the SUISA head office in Zurich. Report from the Board by Andreas Wegelin
Apart from the Cooperative Society SUISA, there is now also a SUISA group, which includes the subsidiary company SUISA Digital Licensing and the 50% holding in the Joint Venture Mint Digital Services AG. (Photo: Natalie Schlumpf)
The most important topic during the spring meeting are traditionally the resolutions concerning the financial statements of the past year for submission to the General Assembly. SUISA publishes two financial statements in accordance with the Standard Swiss GAAP FER from this year onwards, one for the parent company, the Cooperative Society SUISA, and one consolidated financial statement for the SUISA group. The group comprises the subsidiary company SUISA Digital Licensing with headquarters in Vaduz (FL) and the 50% holding in the company Mint Digital Services AG, Zurich, a Joint Venture by SUISA and the American organisation for music rights, SESAC.
The annual financial statements of the group as well as of the parent company show an overall positive picture. Total collections reached a new high of CHF 160.8m. Income from the licensing of the online music business surpassed CHF 10m for the first time and contributed to this result.
Unfortunately, the secondary income was much lower last year. The reason for this is the bad investment year. Securities income only reached CHF 0.6m in 2018. In 2017, this amount still stood at CHF 3m. As a consequence, this difference now lacks in terms of covering expenditure for 2018. Nevertheless, cost coverage deductions taken from the settlements to members should not increase. The Board therefore decided to use more money from the liabilities that became available for the financing of the costs, and has subsequently reduced the supplementary distribution from 7% to 5%.
Preparations for the General Assembly
Additional topics were the preparation of other business for the General Assembly: the analysis of the organisation's risks, the resulting management report and the approval of the entire annual report for submission to the GA. Lastly, nominations for two retiring Board members had to be decided upon, and documents relating to the investment policy and the compensation of Board members that had become necessary due to the new Articles of Association had to be resolved.
The Board took notice that Executive Committee was making efforts and got involved with the relevant departments to collect remuneration from abroad. In this context, it is important to take into consideration that the laws, tariffs and distribution rules are different at our sister societies and that SUISA cannot be held responsible for that. The Board therefore rejected the claim for a settlement of a member which held the view that it had not received enough remuneration for usages abroad.
Finally, the Board had to say farewell to executive assistant Dora Zeller, who is going to leave SUISA in order to retire. President Xavier Dayer expressed his thanks in the name of the entire Board for the turntable-like function that Dora Zeller had mastered with distinction throughout the last 10 years, and wished her well for the next, 'third' phase in her life.
The first year of SUISA Digital Licensing AG – A little more than one and a half years ago, SUISA founded its subsidiary company, SUISA Digital Licensing AG. The subsidiary company has now completed its first business year. A year which was under the auspices of development and brought about a multitude of new findings. It is time for retrospection and a first interim summary. Read more
Play abroad, communicate with SUISA at home – How do I get access to my copyright remuneration for my concerts abroad? What do I need to consider when registering works with SUISA if the co-author of my song is a member of a foreign collective management organisation? Important and frequently asked questions on international musical activities are answered in the following. Read more
Tags: International settlement, Collections, General Assembly, Cooperative society, Annual report, Annual accounts, Joint venture, Online licensing, SUISA, SUISA Digital Licensing, Board, Board committee, Elections, Supplementary distribution
The most important topic during the spring meeting are traditionally the resolutions concerning the financial statements of the past year for submission to the General Assembly. SUISA publishes two financial statements in accordance with the Standard Swiss GAAP FER from this year onwards, one for the parent company, the Cooperative Society SUISA, and one...read more
SUISA General Assembly: Our members' opinion counts
SUISA's General Assembly takes place in the Kongresszentrum Biel (concert hall) on 21 June 2019. For the first time, two financial statements will be presented to the General Assembly; a novelty in SUISA's history. Furthermore, there are elections on the agenda: The entire Board needs to be newly elected, as does the Distribution and Works Committee; there are also by-elections for the Complaints Committee. Text by Dora Zeller
Last year, voting members and guests gathered in Berne (see picture). The next General Assembly of SUISA takes place on Friday, 21 June 2019 in the concert hall of the Congress Centre in Biel. (Photo: Manu Leuenberger)
At the SUISA General Assembly 2019, the agenda item annual report includes, apart from the usual financial statements of the Cooperative Society for the year 2018, the consolidated financial statements for the SUISA group and will be presented to voting members for approval for the first time. The consolidated financial statements contain the annual accounts of the organisations which are directly or indirectly controlled by SUISA. They include SUISA Digital Licensing AG, based in Vaduz (FL) as well as the Joint Venture Mint Digital Services AG, where SUISA has 50% in holdings. Both sets of statements were examined by auditing firm BDO and recommended for approval.
Election of the Board
Of the 15 current members of the SUISA Board, 13 are standing for re-election for another term of office. Two previous members are going to leave the Board due to the limitation of the term of office: Marco Zanotta (Vice President) and Bertrand Liechti (President of the Board Committee for Finance and Controlling) have been contributing to SUISA's developments for 20 years. Prior to their official farewell, they are going to look back on their time in the office and share their memories and some highlights with the audience.
The two nominees for the Board that have been proposed are intended to lower the average age of the Board: Grégoire Liechti, born in 1981, from Geneva, is intended to replace Bertrand Liechti; Sylvie Reinhard, entrepreneur, born in 1980, shall supersede Marco Zanotta. While Grégoire Liechti brings long-term national and international experience in the publishing business to the table, Sylvie Reinhard complements the Board's skills and knowledge in the digital innovation and culture sector.
Other election business
The Distribution and Works Committee is made up of a maximum of 22 members; 21 are standing for re-election. Grégoire Liechti, member since 2015, stood down from the Committee and is running for a Board position. Regarding the by-elections the nominations committee is going to provide information on the seat that is going to become vacant via the usual publication channels for the GA 2020 and ask the relevant associations of music authors and publishers for a pre-selection.
At the GA 2018, the seat reserved for the second expert remained vacant in the newly created Complaints Committee. The Board is now tabling the motion in the General Assembly to elect Marco Zanotta as an external member into the Complaints Committee. He is neither an associate nor a member of SUISA.
Compensation and investment policy
The Articles of Association which had been revised at the last General Assembly and have been in force since 01 January 2019 provide the General Assembly with new powers. It is responsible for the compensation and other benefits to the President and the Board members and also for the overall investment policy. To this end, the Board is going to present the compensation regulations in force since 2009 and has worked out the general provisions regarding the investment policy and asks for its approval.
Finally, the SUISA GA provides an opportunity once more for members to exchange experience with other members and with guests from politics, culture, associations etc. and to hold conversations with SUISA staff. Use these opportunities for participating in decision-making and exchange and we look forward to a high turnout on Friday, 21 June 2019, in Biel.
SUISA makes music possible – A new mission statement, a new organisation chart! Fairness, dedication and passion – these three concepts make up SUISA's new mission statement. "SUISA makes music possible" is at the centre of the new mission statement. The same principle has been applied to SUISA's new organisation chart. Read more
Introduction of a process-oriented organisation chart at SUISA – SUISA's organisational structure changes from 01 January 2019 onwards. The Board had decided to implement the project "Horizon 2019" upon the request by General Management. The objective of the reviewed organisation chart is to further optimise SUISA's internal process efficiencies. Procedural responsibilities will be aligned with the core process of our work. Read more
Tags: Complaints Committee, General Assembly, Cooperative society, Annual report, Membership, SUISA, Dates, Distribution and Works Committee, Board, Elections
At the SUISA General Assembly 2019, the agenda item annual report includes, apart from the usual financial statements of the Cooperative Society for the year 2018, the consolidated...read more
Can the blockchain and the bass strike a harmonious chord?
Technological developments that affect the music industry are a constant focus of SUISA's management committees. Blockchain technology was one of the many important topics on the agenda at the board meetings in October 2018. Report from the Board by Dora Zeller
To what extent is blockchain technology in harmony with the interests of music copyright holders and publishers? (Photo: Daphne.t / Shutterstock.com)
At the autumn meetings of the SUISA Board of Directors in Lausanne, musician and researcher Steffen Holly from the German Fraunhofer Institute provided a glimpse into the world of blockchain technology. He showed how blockchain was born from of a combination of existing IT possibilities, using practical examples to illustrate the theory behind the system. He also showed how the development of the music industry and technology are closely related: new instruments give rise to new music, new demand and new technical possibilities. Who would have thought it would be possible to rent music? But streaming services are now licensed by SUISA.
The scientist also recommended assessing whether blockchain is a viable solution for every business model. In other words, critically examining whether the blockchain and the bass really can strike a harmonious chord. He provided some prominent real-world examples (Airbnb, Uber, car rental) and also made reference to musicnow.eu. Launched on the basis of the EU Collective Rights Management Directive, this project aims to use blockchain technology to facilitate collaboration between authors, artists, collecting societies and content users.
Technological developments are a permanent area of focus for SUISA's Board of Directors and management team. In the recently adopted Strategy 2020, SUISA states its intention to step up its research and development under the heading "New technologies give rise to new forms of use". Following Steffen Holly's presentation, the collecting society is looking to engage in dialogue with a member of the musicnow.eu project.
Status of tariff negotiations and personnel changes
In addition to addressing the forward-looking topic of blockchain, Vincent Salvadé reported on the current status of the tariff negotiations between the collecting societies and the user organisations. In recent months, the Federal Arbitration Commission has approved the VN (audio-visual media for screening, broadcasting, online use) and CT 3c (public viewing) tariffs. Approval of CT 4i (integrated digital storage media) is pending, while GT 12 (set-top boxes, virtual video recorders) was appealed by the broadcasting companies.
Other important items on the agenda related to the HR department and the 2019 board elections. Monica Hernandez took over as Head of Human Resources/Training & Development in mid-June. Thanks to her dedication, extensive expertise and wealth of experience, she has quickly settled into her new role. Her colleagues value her professionalism, service mindset and customer-oriented approach, as well as her open, positive attitude.
General board elections will be held at the 2019 Annual General Meeting. With the exception of Bertrand Liechti and Marco Zanotta, who are both stepping down after serving for the maximum period, all directors are eligible for a further term of office. The Board of Directors has appointed a Nomination Committee to look for suitable successors. Its members reported on the status of this search for candidates.
Blockchain – an ending or future for collective management organisations? – Dear members, everyone in the music industry is talking about "Blockchain" at the moment. But it's not easy to find anyone who can explain in simple terms what it's all about … Read more
A bird's eye view of SUISA's 2018 General Assembly – On 22 June 2018, 208 voting members streamed into the Bierhübeli in Bern. They were there to participate in shaping the destiny of their cooperative society, and to take advantage of the opportunity to network and exchange information. Members, Board members, Executive Committee members, guests from cultural and political spheres, and SUISA staff – all were attending the SUISA's 2018 Ordinary General Assembly. Read more
Positive figures for the 2018 financial year to date – The Board meeting held the day before the General Assembly in June 2018 had a multi-layered agenda to handle. In addition to preparing for the General Assembly, the meeting also reviewed the course of business for the year to date. Read more
Tags: Blockchain, Common tariff, General Assembly, SUISA, Tariff, Corporate strategy, Board, Elections
At the autumn meetings of the SUISA Board of Directors in Lausanne, musician and researcher Steffen Holly from the German Fraunhofer Institute provided a glimpse into the world of blockchain technology. He showed how blockchain was born from of a combination of existing IT possibilities, using practical examples to illustrate the theory behind the system. He also showed how the development of the music industry and technology are closely related: new...read more
A bird's eye view of SUISA's 2018 General Assembly
On 22 June 2018, 208 voting members streamed into the Bierhübeli in Bern. They were there to participate in shaping the destiny of their cooperative society, and to take advantage of the opportunity to network and exchange information. Members, Board members, Executive Committee members, guests from cultural and political spheres, and SUISA staff – all were attending the SUISA's 2018 Ordinary General Assembly. Text by Dora Zeller
Voting in the packed hall of the Bierhübeli in Bern during SUISA's General Assembly on 22 June 2018. (Photo: Manu Leuenberger)
Swiss Ländlermix, an ad hoc group consisting of Bruno Brodt, Jost Ribary, Dani Häusler, René Wicky, Robin Mark, Jacqueline Wachter, Kurt Albert and Stefan Schwarz, opened the General Assembly with a surprise folk-music medley. This cross-section of traditional and contemporary Swiss folk music got the public into the proper mood for the meeting.
The General Assembly opened on a musical note with a medley of traditional and contemporary Swiss folk music by the ad hoc group "Swiss Ländlermix". (Photo: Sibylle Roth)
Before the statutory business, a short film was presented showing the social media platforms launched at the beginning of the year. Apart from the SUISAblog, there are now SUISA Music Stories on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.
https://blog.suisa.ch/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/gv_film_versionblog.mp4
After the film, the General Assembly approved the annual report, management report, financial statements, cashflows, Notes and auditor's report for the 2017 financial year. The Board and the Auditor were granted discharge for the reporting year, and the auditing mandate was renewed for 2018.
Amendment of the Articles and election of the Complaints Committee
The main business of the Assembly was the amendment of the Articles of Association. Andreas Wegelin explained why the Articles should be aligned with the Liechtenstein Collecting Societies Act and the EU Directive on Collective Rights Management (CRM Directive). He mentioned the main changes, namely: non-discrimination rules, additional powers to the General Assembly, and greater influence for members. After various suggestions, questions and clarifications, the General Assembly approved the proposed amendments with no negative votes.
The General Assembly also approved the list of candidates for election to the new Complaints Committee. Board members Marco Neeser and Christian Fighera, as well as Danièle Wüthrich-Meyer as external representative (Vice President of the Federal Competition Commission), were elected by a large majority. The same applied for substitutes Roman Camenzind and Zeno Gabaglio (both members of SUISA's Board) and for external representatives Daniel Alder and Gregor Wild (both attorneys-at-law and members of the Federal Arbitration Commission). Bernhard Wittweiler, Head of SUISA's Legal Department, was designated Chair of the Complaints Committee. He is a member ex officio of the Complaints Committee and does not have to be elected by the General Assembly.
Publisher Natalie Riede (in the picture), a representative of the Swiss electronic music scene, was elected to the Distribution and Works Committee. (Photo: Manu Leuenberger)
Natalie Riede was elected to the Distribution and Works Committee where she replaces Guido Röösli. Through her publishing house, Black Music Management, Natalie Riede has been member of SUISA since 2014; her main focus is on electronica and she represents the Swiss electronic music scene.
In her presentation as Guest Speaker, Danièle Wüthrich-Meyer, President of Swissperform, outlined the activities of the five collective administration societies from the formal, statutory perspective, from the consensual contract- and Articles-based perspective, and from the factual angle.
SUISA's Executive Committee reported on the 2017 business year. On the podium, from left to right: Irène Philipp Ziebold, Vincent Salvadé, President Xavier Dayer, Vice-President Marco Zanotta and Andreas Wegelin at the lectern. (Photo: Sibylle Roth)
Vincent Salvadé and Irène Philipp then provided information about the current business year. Andreas Wegelin reported on the Mint Digital Services joint venture and explained a number of current political developments which were liable to impact SUISA's business activities. Lastly, Urs Schnell, Director of FONDATION SUISA, reported on the business year of SUISA's foundation for musical promotion.
SUISA's President, Xavier Dayer, closed the General Assembly, which had been as substantial as it was interesting, at about 2 pm. He indicated that the next General Assembly would be held on Friday, 21 June 2019, in Biel.
After the meeting, participants were invited to a buffet lunch in the garden of the Bierhübeli, where they had the opportunity to exchange views and pursue discussions with other participants and with SUISA staff members.
Exploitation rights in the EU and review of SUISA's Articles of Association – Liechtenstein has been – other than Switzerland – a member of the European Economic Area since 1995 and must, as such, accept a major proportion of the European Union legal provisions. What do EU exploitation rights have to do with the revision of the SUISA Articles of Association? Read more
131.4m Swiss Francs for composers, lyricists and publishers – It was with satisfaction that members of the SUISA Board approved the results of the previous year during their meeting at the end of March 2017. The total turnover was 3.2% higher than that of the previous year. An overall amount of CHF 131.4m can be paid out to rights holders. The Board has, in addition, decided that a supplementary distribution of 7% shall be carried out on top of all regular distributions in 2018. Read more
"A lot of what we have in our folk music comes from classical music" – Dani Häusler is one of three nominees for the Prix Walo 2018 in the category folk music. Häusler started playing the clarinet already at an early age and is nowadays active in several formations. At the 44th Prix Walo event, SUISA presents the award in the category folk music and has asked the nominee some questions in writing. Read more
Tags: Complaints Committee, General Assembly, Cooperative society, Annual accounts, Ländler, Membership, Articles of Association, SUISA, SUISA Music Stories, Distribution and Works Committee, Folk music, Board, Elections
Swiss Ländlermix, an ad hoc group consisting of Bruno Brodt, Jost Ribary, Dani Häusler, René Wicky, Robin Mark, Jacqueline Wachter, Kurt Albert and Stefan Schwarz, opened the General Assembly with a surprise folk-music medley. This cross-section of traditional and contemporary Swiss folk music got the...read more
131.4m Swiss Francs for composers, lyricists and publishers
It was with satisfaction that members of the SUISA Board approved the results of the previous year during their meeting at the end of March 2017. The total turnover was 3.2% higher than that of the previous year. An overall amount of CHF 131.4m can be paid out to rights holders. The Board has, in addition, decided that a supplementary distribution of 7% shall be carried out on top of all regular distributions in 2018. Report from the Board by Dora Zeller
SUISA managed to yield a total turnover of CHF 159.2m in 2017, including secondary income. Due to the positive outcome, composers, lyricists and publishers receive CHF 2.5m more in royalties for their artistic performances than in the previous year. (Photo: Tabea Hüberli)
Apart from the delightful business result, the Board also received reports on the distribution of the collections of the last year in its meetings in March. As such, CHF 21m were paid to authors and CHF 38.7m to publishers. Transfers to sister societies amounted to CHF 53m.
Further distribution topics featured on the agenda: On the one hand, the Board decided that a supplementary distribution of 7% shall be carried out on top of all regular distributions in 2018. On the other hand, the governing body determined a minimum amount for the distribution of the collections from exploitations by broadcasters. Pursuant to the distribution rules, the distribution per private broadcaster follows the ratio of the licence fee that these broadcasters pay. The prerequisite for this is that the licence fee collected from the broadcaster must be higher than the amount determined by the Board each year. Furthermore, the station logs must be submitted electronically. Last year, the Board had lowered the minimum amount from CHF 15,000 to CHF 5,000. The Board took the decision to maintain this threshold.
General Assembly of SUISA on 22 June 2018 in Berne
The Board members also dedicate a lot of time to the preparation of the General Assembly. It takes place on Friday, 22 June 2018, in Berne. Apart from statutory business, the revision of the Articles of Association is an item on the agenda for the GA. The Articles of Association shall be adapted to the provisions of the EU Directive, which have been implemented into national law in Liechtenstein. Furthermore, such an adaptation is important so that SUISA can continue to carry out cross-border licensing of online usages within the European Union.
A synoptic representation of the changes to the Articles of Association will be posted to the members who are entitled to vote together with the invitation for the GA. The notes to the invitation include further details on the reasons for the intended changes to the provisions. One important issue is the duty to provide members with a complaints procedure. SUISA therefore plans to set up a Complaints Committee. The Board will propose the designated persons to the General Assembly for election.
Further elections are due for the Distribution and Works Committee. Guido Röösli retires and the Board has nominated Natalie Riede for the seat that has become available. She is a young publisher and represents the Swiss electronic music scene.
Mint Digital Services, the joint venture
The Board turned to the international stage with regards to the subject Mint Digital Services. A representative of US partner SESAC explained to Board members what it would take – in his opinion – to be successful in a competitive environment: Tenacity and negotiating skills, paired with intelligent IT software and high data quality are, from his point of view, the necessary tools. These qualities are combined under the joint venture Mint which was launched last year.
Since December 2017, statements are made available via "my account" – Thanks to the password-protected members' area "my account", our members can keep an overview of their distribution statements and distribution settlements. Many members asked us to stop the dispatch by post. We have taken this request into account and introduced the option to renounce on the postal dispatch. Read more
SUISA General Assembly 2018: Your opinion counts! – SUISA's ordinary General Assembly takes place on 22 June 2018 in the Bierhübeli in Bern. It will be opened with a music performance by the ad hoc formation Swiss Ländlermix in line with the theme; "Folk music – Switzerland crossways". Important business items on the agenda are the review of the Articles of Association, the new Complaints Committee and an election of a substitute for the Distribution and Works Committee. Danièle Wüthrich-Meyer, President of Swissperform will attend as guest speaker. Read more
SUISA's financial year 2018: an outlook – In the Committee and Board meetings towards the end of the year, framework conditions for the following financial year are set. As such, the meetings of the SUISA Board in December 2017 continued to be characterised by budgets, cost rates, staffing plans, roadmaps, politics and quite a bit more. Read more
Tags: Complaints Committee, Collections, General Assembly, Annual accounts, Joint venture, Mint Digital Services, Private broadcaster, SESAC, Articles of Association, SUISA, Distribution, Distribution and Works Committee, Board, Elections, Supplementary distribution
Apart from the delightful business result, the Board also...read more
SUISA General Assembly 2018: Your opinion counts!
SUISA's ordinary General Assembly takes place on 22 June 2018 in the Bierhübeli in Bern. It will be opened with a music performance by the ad hoc formation Swiss Ländlermix in line with the theme; "Folk music – Switzerland crossways". Important business items on the agenda are the review of the Articles of Association, the new Complaints Committee and an election of a substitute for the Distribution and Works Committee. Danièle Wüthrich-Meyer, President of Swissperform will attend as guest speaker. Text by Dora Zeller
Up to 19 June, members who are eligible to vote can register for SUISA's General Assembly, which is to be held on 22 June 2018 in the Bierhübeli in Bern. (Photo: Manu Leuenberger)
SUISA's General Assembly 2018 is determined by the review of the Articles of Association. The music business is changing: increased competition levels, new technologies, international networks, tougher regulations. SUISA wants and has to keep up with the developments and create a base for the successful advancement of the cooperative society.
Changes to the Articles of Association are therefore going to be proposed to the General Assembly. By way of the proposed amendments, SUISA's Articles of Association will be brought in line with the Act on Collective Management Organisations (CMO Act) of Liechtenstein which has been ratified in March 2018, and thus with the European Directive on the Collective Management of Copyright.
Strengthening members' rights and online business
The EU Directive which has in the meantime been implemented into national law in Liechtenstein, contains provisions which entail a strengthening of members' rights. Apart from rules on transparency and for supervision of the collective management organisations, a significant point covers the making available of a complaint procedure for members. SUISA intends to create a Complaints Committee with well-versed persons from the music sector and legally adept experts. It will suggest committee members for election.
Apart from the above, it is necessary to adapt the Articles of Association to the EU Directive in order to continue to be able to licence online exploitations at cross-border level in the European Union. SUISA has been licensing music of SUISA members at pan-European level since 2013 in the online sector, partially even far beyond Europe's borders.
Pursuant to the EU Directive, collective management organisations must meet certain standards in order to be able to carry out cross-border licensing. By way of revising the Articles of Association, the conditions will be met that SUISA can directly negotiate with and collect from online providers such as iTunes or Spotify regarding exploitations outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein, too. The online business is a focus of SUISA's strategy for the immediate future. For this purpose, Mint Digital Services were founded together with SESAC (USA).
Statutory business
It features on the agenda each year: statutory business. The annual report, management report, financial statements, profit and loss accounts, cash flow statements, the annex to the annual accounts as well as the auditors' report will be submitted to the General Assembly for approval. After that, the Board's and the auditors' activities are ratified, and an election determining the auditors for the current financial year takes place.
As usual, there will be an interim report on the current financial year. Management will report on the financial development in the first semester. Furthermore, those in charge of FONDATION SUISA will provide an overview of the activities of the foundation in 2017 at this year's General Assembly.
Elections and guests
Natalie Riede will be proposed to the General Assembly for election into the Distribution and Works Committee as a substitute for Guido Röösli who is stepping down. She represents the Electronica sector, runs her own publishing company and has strong roots in the club scene.
There are multiple opportunities at the General Assembly to enter into conversation with many invited guests, e.g. representatives of music user associations, institutions or copyright experts. SUISA was able to secure a guest presentation by Danièle Wüthrich-Meyer. She is the President of Swissperform, the collective management organisation for neighbouring rights in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
How to get there / Catering
We recommend that participants take public transport to get to the Bierhübeli. The bus from Bern train station stops directly outside the event location. There are no parking spaces available. The Park & Ride car park Neufeld is within 10 minutes walking distance from the Bierhübeli. Coffee and Gipfeli will be offered prior to the General Assembly. After the assembly, a buffet lunch will be available.
On 24. May 2018, SUISA's 2017 annual report has been published. It is available online or can be ordered as a printed version at: www.suisa.ch/annualreport
The turnover in 2017 is very positive. The results of CHF 139.2m from rights management in Switzerland is 2% above the 2016 results. SUISA can thus distribute a record amount to rights owners who are entitled to receive a payment. Continue reading in the media release (PDF)
SUISA settlement dates 2018 – and one improvement – SUISA shall stick to its established settlement dates in 2018. They comprise, in the main, four quarterly settlements as well as various supplementary settlements spread across the coming year in analogy to the previous year. From the 2nd semester of 2018 onwards, settlements of international collections shall be switched over to a quarterly distribution frequency. Read more
Changes to the distribution of collections for internet use – New distribution keys will be used for the distribution of collections for internet use (audio and video on demand offers). For downloads, a new key of 25% for performing rights and 75% for reproduction rights shall be applied. For streaming, the split shall consist of 75% performing rights and 25% reproduction rights. Read more
Tags: Complaints Committee, General Assembly, Cooperative society, Annual report, Annual accounts, Online licensing, Articles of Association, SUISA, Distribution and Works Committee, Elections
SUISA's General Assembly 2018 is determined by the review of the Articles of Association. The music...read more
Due to a mid-term resignation, a seat on SUISA's Distribution and Works Committee needs to be filled. We are looking for a SUISA member who is a publisher, active in the rock/pop, jazz or electronic genre and originates from the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Text by Irène Philipp Ziebold
Bang in the midst of it rather than watching from the sidelines – SUISA is looking for a member that holds voting and election rights willing to co-design the distribution of collections in the Distribution and Works Committee. (Photo: Manu Leuenberger)
SUISA authors and publishers have the opportunity as members of the Distribution and Works Committee (VWK) to directly shape the distribution of the collections arising from works usage. The Distribution Regulations are the authoritative documentation governing the issue of who ultimately gets how much money and for which usage of their works. The Distribution Regulations are also the centre of attraction of the meetings of the VWK which takes place twice a year, where VWK members are presented with any pending changes in the rules for discussion and co-determination. The final resolution regarding the respective change shall be made by the Board.
Music genres, regions, authors and publishers – it's all in the mix
Based on the above mentioned criteria regarding the search of a successor for the member that has stepped down, the goal is to ensure that the VWK's composition is as balanced as possible in future since this is a central point for its work. In the Committee, there are thus many different music genres as well as all linguistic regions of Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein that must be represented. Furthermore, the VWK must consist of composers, music publishers as well as lyricists. Finally, the Committee should also exhibit the best possible mix regarding age and gender.
Further requirements for becoming a member of the VWK
Only SUISA members who hold a right to vote and elect can be appointed into the Committee. The (future) VWK member must – apart from the direct relationship to music – understand the effect of current decisions on the future. Members of the VWK may therefore not just focus on their own business areas, but must represent the interests of all authors and publishers. After all, being a Committee member takes time: The meetings of the VWK do take up a whole day (2x per annum) – including travel time and joint lunch. Members are also required to prepare accordingly for the meetings; this includes reading comprehensive and exhaustive materials which are provided in the run-up of the meeting.
Tasks of the distribution and works committee
A maximum of 22 members make up the VWK; they are elected for a term of four years by the General Assembly. The selection of the candidates proposed for election will be made by the Board. A re-election is limited to three terms in office.
The VWK fulfils the following tasks as per the SUISA Articles of Association by
checking the provisions of the Distribution Regulations and their implications on distribution proceeds;
proposing amendments to the Distribution Regulations to the Board;
as a first instance, handling appeals against Executive Committee decisions on the classification of broadcasting programmes, copyrightability of works and arrangement of non-protected works;
in an advisory capacity, evaluating unauthorised adaptations of protected works and cases of plagiarism.
The VWK is a Committee of the SUISA General Assembly. In other words: The General Assembly may allocate additional tasks to the Committee.
Candidate entries
Since the by-elections take place during the SUISA General Assembly on 22 June 2018 and the preparatory process does take up some time, we kindly ask interested candidates to send their application no later than Monday, 26 March 2018 to the following address:
SUISA, Stephanie Fikatas, Bellariastrasse 82, 8038 Zurich
E-mail: stephanie.fikatas (at) suisa (dot) ch
For further information please contact Mrs. Irène Philipp Ziebold, Director of Member Services and Distribution (Phone: +41 44 485 68 00).
Changes in relation to the distribution of Tariff CT 1 and CT 2 collections – In the last few years, cable network providers switched their offerings from analogue to digital. In order to take these changes into consideration, the distribution of the collections arising from Tariffs CT 1 (cable networks), CT 2a (retransmitters) and CT 2b (IP based networks) was aligned. In item 5.5.1 of the distribution rules the calculation basis of the reference parameter "number of subscribers" was changed to "daily reach". Read more
Tags: General Assembly, SUISA, Publisher, Distribution, Distribution and Works Committee, Distribution rules, Elections
SUISA authors and publishers have the opportunity as members of the Distribution and Works Committee (VWK) to directly shape the distribution of the collections arising from works usage. The Distribution Regulations are the authoritative documentation governing the issue of who ultimately gets how...read more
Recommended by the Editor
"As a songwriter, you're some sort of a lone wolf" – Debrah Scarlett already enjoyed international fame before releasing her début EP "DYS(U)TOPIA" in mid-March. Prior to that, the Norwegian-Swiss musician joined SUISA. "I prefer to play it safe and don't place expectations in myself and others that are too high", explains Joanna Deborah Bussinger when asked about her future plans. It was not least because of this kind of caution that the 23-year-old avoided the risk of turning into a fleeting pop starlet that has to waive the control over its career. Read more
Sampling and Remixes – The articles about arrangements in the "Good to know" series have so far focused on "conventional" arrangements of musical works. Sampling and remixes are two additional and specific forms of arrangement. What rights need to be secured when existing recordings are used to produce a new work? What agreements have to be contracted? Read more
Switzerland finally has a new copyright law! posted on 21.11.2019 | under SUISA
Two new faces for the Board meeting in autumn posted on 14.11.2019 | under SUISA
10 years of Helvetiarockt: Amplify the voice of women* posted on 05.12.2019 | under Focus on ...
Setting to music posted on 25.11.2019 | under Good to know
Third party content on your own website must be paid for pursuant to Swiss legislation posted on 12.02.2014 | under Music use
Giorgio Tebaldi on Invoicing licence fees for background music and TV reception in businesses as of 2019
Reto on Invoicing licence fees for background music and TV reception in businesses as of 2019
Elia Meier on 10 years of Helvetiarockt: Amplify the voice of women*
Manu Leuenberger on Setting to music
E.Rick Sommer on Setting to music
Catchword CLOUD
AGUR12 Annual accounts Award Board Collective management Collective management organisation Common tariff Composer Composition Composition competition Concert Contemporary music Cooperative society Copyright Copyright remuneration Copyright review Discussion Distribution Distribution and Works Committee Distribution rules Elections Folk music Foundation for music promotion General Assembly Jazz in Switzerland Lyricist Membership Music award Music export Switzerland Music festival Music industry Music promotion Newcomer Pop culture Settlements Songwriter Songwriting camp Sponsoring SRG SSR SUISA SUISA member Swiss music Swiss pop Trade fair Work exploitation on the internet


Streamworks provides communication services, both paper and electronic, for our clients. Streamworks places the utmost importance on the privacy of our clients and their data. All data Streamworks receives is driven by client request and client project need and is used only in the manner specified by clients.
Streamworks does not, nor does Streamworks act as, a list compiler and does not collect any personal information for re-sell. Under no circumstances will Streamworks re-sell client data and Streamworks does not distribute client data to any third party unless specifically requested and authorized by the client.
Streamworks maintains a high level of security, both physical and electronic, for all client data and client material. Streamworks restricts access to client data and material to only employees with a job-related need as determined by Streamworks management staff.
After data processing is complete client data is securely stored for a maximum period of two years, unless specified otherwise by our clients.
Streamworks offers secure transfer methods for all client data and encourages the use of secure file transfer methods.
Streamworks requests to receive personal information only as it relates to specific client project requirements and, based on client request, may update only the address information per approved United States Post Office systems and software.
If you would like to access, correct, or delete your information please send an email to info@streamworksmn.com with your request.


If you agree with the above, here is a cash flow statement, show me how much and when you will return such an investment?
Every dollar spent on marketing should provide a return. Agree?
The return should ultimately show up in maintaining /improving the revenue /profitability of the business. Agree?
If this was your personal money, how will you measure / ensure ROI?


text:
Abbott offered a slice of power
By Phillip Coorey
September 9, 2010 — 3.00am
THE Greens and the independents have offered Tony Abbott the opportunity to help govern from opposition, saying they would pass any policies with which they agreed, including paid parental leave, whether Labor liked it or not.
As the political establishment comes to grips with the concept of minority government, the Greens leader Bob Brown said the Parliament belonged to everybody, not just the government.
''Please think about it,'' he said.
He was backed by the independent Tony Windsor, who suggested the Coalition tone down its venomous attacks on the government and independents.
''There's good stuff that can come from anywhere and that's why the Liberals are silly to be running this sort of stuff,'' he told the Herald.
''They can do things with us and the executive won't have the power to shut them down. The opposition can be part of the government, too.''
The opposition childcare spokeswoman, Sharman Stone, was attracted to the idea of putting forward the Coalition's generous paid parental leave scheme which the Greens broadly favour.
''Our lines of communication have always been open to anyone who wants to talk about helping to deliver our better policy,'' she said.
The Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young was keen to explore the idea.
Senator Brown suggested weekly policy meetings with Mr Abbott, as he will have with the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and mentioned possible policy deals on mental health, dental care and biosecurity.
The opportunity was offered as the Coalition abandoned Mr Abbott's pledge of a kinder and gentler polity and challenged the very legitimacy of the minority Labor government, saying it was unstable, unworkable and defied commonsense.
The claims of instability were dampened when it emerged the shadow finance minister, Andrew Robb, had spent the day sounding out colleagues about challenging Julie Bishop for the deputy leadership at today's party-room meeting.
The move was called off late yesterday after powerbrokers intervened, saying it would destabilise the Coalition at a time it was trying to portray the government as unstable.
If Mr Robb had been successful, he would have been able to choose the portfolio of shadow treasurer which he desires, pushing out Joe Hockey.
Liberal MPs said Mr Robb's aborted move was a warning that they expected Mr Abbott to agree to significant changes next week when he reshuffles his frontbench, not the minimal changes flagged on Tuesday.
Ms Gillard governs with the bare majority of 76 seats, thanks to the support of the Greens MP, Adam Bandt, and the three independents, Mr Windsor, Andrew Wilkie and Rob Oakeshott.
Mr Oakeshott is considering accepting the newly created cabinet post of minister for regional Australia but fears it may bind his vote and is seeking advice.
The independents have agreed only to guarantee stability of tenure by supporting the government against reckless no-confidence motions and to ensure supply.
Mr Abbott attacked Ms Gillard, saying she was as illegitimate as her government because she had been installed by factions and then by independents. ''It is a government that's utterly without a mandate,'' he said.
Coalition MPs, furious that Mr Windsor and Mr Oakeshott sided with Labor, lined up to demand the end of the arrangement and predicted its early demise.
''This is an illegitimate government that is inherently unstable,'' Mr Hockey said.
The Liberal senator George Brandis implied corruption by saying the government had ''as much legitimacy as the Pakistani cricket team''.
Their rage was fuelled by Mr Windsor saying that the tax summit which the independents had secured from the government should examine the mining tax.
The Treasurer, Wayne Swan, said that was not part of the agreement and that the mining tax was being reviewed by a panel led by the former BHP Billiton chairman Don Argus.
Mr Oakeshott backed Mr Swan and later Mr Windsor said he had made a mistake.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
American gold medalist kneels during national anthem at the Pan Am Games
By Eric Levenson and Wayne Sterling, CNN
Updated 4:25 PM EDT, Sun August 11, 2019
LIMA, PERU - AUGUST 09: Gold medalist Race Imboden of United States takes a knee during the National Anthem Ceremony in the podium of Fencing Men's Foil Team Gold Medal Match Match on Day 14 of Lima 2019 Pan American Games at Fencing Pavilion of Lima Convention Center on August 09, 2019 in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images
Gold medalist explains why he knelt during anthem
American gold medalist fencer Race Imboden knelt as the national anthem played Friday at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, to protest racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants and President Donald Trump.
"We must call for change," he tweeted afterward along with a photo. "This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze. My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants, and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list.
"I chose to (sacrifice) my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change," he said.
We must call for change.
This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze. My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants, pic.twitter.com/deCOKaHQI9
— Race Imboden (@Race_Imboden) August 10, 2019
Imboden, 26, was ranked as the world's second-best in the foil event, and won a bronze medal in the men's individual foil on Tuesday. On Friday, he helped the US win gold in the men's foil team event, and then took a knee on the podium as the Star Spangled Banner played.
As Imboden knelt, his teammates Gerek Meinhardt and Nick Itkin stood tall. Several members of the silver medalist Brazilian team saluted and Canada's bronze-winning team stood quietly.
Taking a knee during the national anthem became a form of civil protest after former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee throughout the 2016 football season in protest of police brutality and injustice against people of color. Since then, many athletes, from NFL players, to soccer star Megan Rapinoe to amateur high schoolers have knelt as a form of protest, sparking anger from Trump and others.
Imboden was not the only American to protest during the anthem at the Pan American Games. Gwen Berry took gold in the women's hammer throw competition on Saturday, and she raised her fist in the air at the end of the national anthem in protest.
U.S. hammer thrower Gwen Berry raises her fist at the end of the national anthem at the Pan Am Games on Saturday.
PHOTO: Twitter/@sergeta
"Somebody has to stand for all of the injustices that are going on in America and a president who's making it worse," she told USA Today on Saturday night. "It's too important to not say something."
Both could face disciplinary action, as all participants signed agreements not to make any political, religious, or racial remarks during the Games.
US Olympic and Paralympic Committee spokesman Mark Jones said in a statement to CNN Sports that "every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature. In these cases, the athletes didn't adhere to the commitment they made to the organizing committee and the USOPC."
"We respect their rights to express their viewpoints, but we are disappointed that they chose not to honor their commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result," Jones said.


text:
UofT Divests from Fossil Fuels
McGill has yet to follow suit
by Elsie Yang
Shireen Aamir
On October 27, University of Toronto (UofT) President Meric Gertler announced the university's commitment to divest from fossil fuel companies within its endowment fund of $4 billion, citing findings from the United Nations and the World Health Organization on the impending climate crisis which "now demands bold actions that have both substantive and symbolic impact." This divestment includes a pledge to divest from all direct investments in fossil fuel companies within the next 12 months and to divest from indirect investments by 2030 at the latest. These indirect investments are typically made through "pooled and commingled vehicles managed by third-party fund managers."
This decision follows those of many other universities across Canada and the United States in the past few years, including Concordia University in 2019 and Harvard University this past September. In 2017 Laval University in Quebec became the first Canadian university to commit to full divestment from fossil fuels, but reneged this promise two years later. As of 2021, approximately 220 postsecondary institutions have divested from the fossil fuel industry.
UofT's decision was motivated by its perceived role as a leading academic institution to meet the "urgent challenge" of the climate crisis and its responsibility for the detrimental effects that will "disproportionately fall on students and generations of future students and children around the world." In a letter to the UofT community, President Gertler said that the hope in divesting is to influence other investors and "government actors at home and abroad" to "intensify their efforts to tackle the challenge of climate change."
While this decision was celebrated by UofT students and staff as well as climate activists across Canada, many claim that it comes far too late. In an open letter signed by a lengthy list of UofT professors in subjects ranging from astrophysics to environmental science, critics pointed out the university's failure to divest from fossil fuels when its own expert advisory panel suggested targeted divestment six years ago. Further, they claim that UofT has violated its own policy by continuing to invest in firms that cause "social injury" – that is, harming consumers, employees, and others through company activities – up until its announcement to divest.
Similarly, members of Divest McGill, an organization that has been fighting for McGill's divestment in fossil fuels since 2012, claim that McGill violates its restriction of investment in firms "causing social injury" by refusing to fully divest from fossil fuel firms.
In 2015, representatives of Divest presented a 150-page research brief to McGill's Board of Governors (BoG) in hopes of achieving a complete and transparent divestment from the top 200 fossil fuel companies. Their petition was rejected by the Committee to Advise Matters of Social Responsibility (CAMSR), who claimed in their 2016 report that "continuing to explore or refusing to keep unburnable reserves underground does not directly have grave injurious impact on individuals or the natural environment." This was the second occasion in which the CAMSR was faced with petitions and demands to vote for divestment, the first being in 2013. In both cases, no recommendation was made to the BoG based on this finding, though their reports influenced the Board's endorsement of an expanded action plan to address climate issues.
While remaining resistant to calls for full divestment, McGill is pursuing a "responsible investment" charter that considers environmental, social, and governance factors in investment decisions and focuses on reducing the university's carbon footprint. Their policy includes the long term targets of becoming zero-waste by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, and affirms a "responsibility as members of the global community [to] do what we can to achieve these goals to reduce our impact on climate change and contribute positively to the sustainability of the planet." McGill's commitment to decarbonization comes alongside the COP26, which concluded with global leaders' commitment to the accelerated decarbonization of cities and industry.
The university board's decision to decarbonize its investment portfolio rather than to divest its nearly $50 million invested in fossil fuels has come as a disappointment to many students and professors. In January 2020, philosophy and environment professor Gregory Mikkelson resigned from his tenured position in response to the university's inaction. McGill's $9.2 million investment in fossil-fuel-free funds as of December 2020 is "a wholly inadequate, token response to Divest McGill's remarkable and nearly-decade-long organizing effort," Mikkelson told the Daily.
Indigenous nations and communities are among those impacted by investments in fossil fuel industries. According to mcgillinvests, McGill's investment profile includes holdings in fossil fuel companies such as Enbridge Inc., which has operated several large crude-oil pipelines in the US and Canada running over the land and communities of countless Indigenous nations. Notably, Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline in Minnesota has been met with fierce opposition by the Ojibwe tribe, whose waterways, land, and ways of life are threatened by its construction.
McGill is also invested in TC Energy, the owners of the Coastal Gas Link pipeline which the Wet'suwet'en people of British Columbia have been fighting to stop since 2008 in the face of police brutalization and a 2020 Supreme Court injunction barring members of the Wet'suwet'en nation from obstructing work on the pipeline. As Mikkelson notes, the Canadian government's failure to move away from fossil fuels mirrors that of McGill: "the same ruling class that stymies ecological progress at the national level does the same at the organizational level, for example through its dominance within the McGill Board of Governors." Mikkelson refers to the BoG's composition, consisting of eight elected board members – two on the behalf of the student body – and the rest of the 25 total members coming mainly from "the corporate world." Divest notes, for example, that previous CAMSR chair and current board member Cynthia Price-Verrault worked for 20 years in the petroleum industry.
Divest's 2015 proposal to the BoG suggested a preliminary strategy from only Enbridge and Shell, citing environmental and social injury caused by both companies. The proposal was denied.
The movement for divestment is tied to advocacy from students and staff for a more democratic decision-making process from McGill. On Friday, November 19, members of Divest McGill and the broader McGill community gathered in the Arts building for an assembly on the democratization of McGill's governing board. The assembly concluded in a unanimous vote for the formation of a new coalition to democratize the decision-making body. This new coalition comes after nearly a decade of continuously being blocked by the BoG, leading Divest McGill to "reach a boiling point:" "We are now fighting for a democratic university: a change in the governance structure as the only way to change McGill's relationship with the fossil fuel industry," the organization said in a statement prior to the assembly. Lola Milder, a Divest McGill member who attended the assembly, says that McGill's statements claiming to work towards "a holistic and intersectional understanding of our environment" and to consider equity as a part of its sustainability plan are contradictory: "Statements like that are intended to satisfy and quiet movements of dissent, but we aren't satisfied or quieted."
While the focus of many climate activists is on the role of business corporations in fueling the climate crisis, colleges and universities have drawn significant attention and pressure to take action. This is not the first case in which McGill's board has found itself faced with pressures to divest in order to be "on the right side of history," as Mikkelson puts it: in 1985, McGill announced its decision to divest from companies with business in apartheid South Africa – only after disruptive student protests and four years of hesitation. Says Mikkelson, "It seems like sheer obstinacy for the university's bosses to continue holding out at this late hour," given that so many Canadian universities have announced divestment.
Regarding the distinct role of educational institutions in this fight and in other social crises, Mikkelson claims that "universities' investment decisions [hold] greater symbolic power and hence political impact – for good or ill, depending on whether those decisions come down on the right side of history or not, regarding such issues as apartheid, smoking, and fossil fuel."
The IPCC Working Group 1 report released in August 2021 stated that climate change is irreversible and that no "safe" threshold for climate change exists; the planet would not cool down again upon reaching net-zero carbon emissions. The "net-zero" target prominent in the media signifies that ongoing emissions released will be "balanced" with emissions reductions by other countries or institutions, as opposed to "gross zero" emissions, which would eliminate carbon emissions altogether. The International Energy Agency has found that "ensuring we add no more CO2 emissions to the atmosphere than we remove is considered to be essential" to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. According to the study, this is possible, but only with some drastic changes, including no new sales of fossil fuel boilers by 2025 and no new oil and gas fields approved for development by 2021, an immediate demand.
For advocates of fossil fuel divestment and climate action, these facts make the fight ever more important. "In the case of fossil fuels, divestment has also begun to hinder the industry's access to funding," says Mikkelson. The BoG's decision to withhold from divestment, he says, does not "bode well for [McGill]."
A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Laval University had fully divested from fossil fuels, and that 1,300 postsecondary institutions have divested from fossil fuels. The article has been updated to be more accurate.
The Daily regrets these errors.


1818With the summer weather in full force it isn't fun to stay indoors all day. Who doesn't love going on a picnic or a summer bike ride in the middle of a warm summer day? All of us! However with the sun shining bright, the temperature rises and the heat can become uncomfortable.
Dehydration and exposure to high temperatures for long periods of time can be quite dangerous and cause heat exhaustion. With the right precautions you will be able to treat heat exhaustion before it turns into heat stroke. Stay happy and healthy this summer and beat the heat with a few of our tips!
One of the easiest and most obvious ways to beat the heat this summer is to stay hydrated. Many people forget to drink lots of water throughout the day, which can be very dangerous. Tossing and turning at night can be a sign that you have not had enough water to drink throughout the day. Try getting a portable water cup that you can bring with you every day to work or to the gym.
Whenever possible try to stay in a shaded area while you are outside. Being inside a home with air conditioning is very nice, however not always likely. Working in the garden, being at the beach or going to a friends for a backyard barbeque can put you at risk for sun exposure all day. Use a canopy or bring an umbrella if you know you will be outside for long periods of time.
Wearing light colours and breathable fabrics can make your summer days a bit more enjoyable. Showing up to a work meeting with a line of sweat on your upper brow isn't professional. Try wearing cotton and linen clothing to avoid sweating. You can also spice up your regular hair style by putting it up, to cool off the back of your neck.
When the temperature is high, you need to be extra careful about when and how intense your workouts are. Start taking advantage of the cooler times of the day, like early morning or late evening. Mid-afternoon sports game can be dangerous for you and your children. Know your limits and stop whenever you exhibit signs of heat exhaustion. Remember to drink lots of water and take breaks while exercising in the heat.
We look forward to the warm summer months and enjoy our time spent in the sunshine. No matter how much you enjoy the heat, it is essential to stay protected from a heat related illness. Let us know in the comments what tips you can give readers to stay cool in the summer.
This entry was posted in News and tagged anderson way, Baron, Baron Insurance, Baron Insurance broker group, dress cool, exercise, heat, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, insurance, landing plaza, shade, stay cool, summer, Summer heat, water on July 20, 2017 by Megan Holman.


text:
Too many men in pin-striped suits
By Jon Faine
December 10, 2020 — 12.08am
Has anyone noticed? Why are we still governed by stale, pale males – grown-up private school boys in pin-striped suits?
Across the ditch, in New Zealand, the centre-left government led by Jacinda Ardern has just installed a ministry that bristles with firsts. Grant Robertson the deputy PM is proudly gay, as are 15 per cent of all the ruling party MPs. But wait, there's more … 40 per cent are women, 25 per cent are Maori and 15 per cent Pacifica. Ms Nanaia Mahuta, the new Foreign Minister, is a Maori elder sporting the sacred facial tattoo called a "moko".
Jacinda Ardern speaks to her MPs at Parliament in Wellington. Credit:Getty Images
One backbencher, Ibrahim Omer, arrived in NZ from Eritrea after five years in a refugee camp – one of those we repel and imprison to appease racists in marginal electorates who decide government on this side of "the ditch". His maiden speech last week was greeted with a standing ovation in the parliament. The NZ Greens include Ms Golriz Ghahraman, a human rights lawyer who was an Iranian child refugee. These success stories are celebrated in NZ.
Do I need to dwell on the ascension of Kamala Harris, the Vice-President-elect of the US, of Indian and Jamaican parentage? Mind you, to counter that there are several QAnon followers within the just-elected Republicans ranks. Go figure.
In Canada, Chrystia Freeland the Deputy PM has the singular negative of having been a journalist in her pre-political life. The Trudeau ministry includes Harjit Sajjan, a turban-wearing Sikh as Defence Minister, and Maryam Monsef, a Hazara Afghan refugee, as Minister for Women and Gender Equality. There's also a Paralympian and an astronaut in their ranks.
Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. Credit:AP
In the UK, the Chancellor of the Exchequer – we would call him Treasurer – in Boris Johnson's conservative government, Rishi Sunak, is of Punjabi descent. Widely regarded as heir apparent for when the gaffe-prone Boris finally runs out of bluster, it is a seismic shift in a bitterly divided nation – and for UK racists it is criticised like when the national football squad started giving game time to black footballers in 1978.
In our Federal Parliament? The current federal ministry is still dominated by grown-up private school boys in pin-striped suits who do not in any way reflect the diversity that you see on the streets of any Australian city or town.
Some politicians still think it funny to mispronounce a "foreign" name or to mimic a "funny" accent to belittle an opponent. Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz in Parliament recently demanded that three Australian citizens of Chinese heritage "unconditionally condemn the Chinese Communist Party dictatorship". All those who have lost their livelihood exporting to China ought to write to Senator Abetz and thank him for his contribution to their plight.
Within days of her maiden speech, one of our few Indigenous parliamentarians, Victorian Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe, released racist mail she had been sent. Penny Wong has been subjected to years of sneering, patronising critique, and I could go on. While we are pretending otherwise, racism is just below the surface of Australian public life.
Every time a politician or public figure says they want more tolerance, I flinch. I do not want anyone to 'tolerate' me – that they will reluctantly accept my existence but not much more. Replace it with "inclusiveness".
Victorian Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe delivers her first speech to the Senate. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
In 25 years of daily broadcasts on ABC Radio Melbourne, there was barely a day that passed without an anti-Semitic text, letter or email. When violence was threatened, the Federal Police intervened.
Media figures of Muslim faith say they cop it even worse, but I am not wanting to start a competition here nor do I seek sympathy. The legacy of the White Australia policy – one of our founding myths – lingers in widespread lazy racial stereotyping.
How will redneck Aussie racists cope if we have a Jewish Prime Minister? Josh Frydenberg is the most likely candidate to take on the leadership of the Liberal Party after Scott Morrison. Together with Mark Dreyfus – the senior Jewish ALP figure – he has made a point of visiting mosques, including after the Christchurch massacre. Would Frydenberg embrace diversity targets if given the chance? Unlikely – within his party, there is staunch resistance to targets of any kind.
What are we doing about it? Not much. The conservatives resent the very existence of a diminished Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, which is cash-starved, hamstrung and barely able to do its vital job or fulfil its potential. This proudly multicultural nation has no campaign promoting community harmony, no strategy for strengthening multiculturalism and next to no public initiatives challenging racism. Those in charge cannot see the need because they are themselves a monoculture and fear upsetting the racists in marginal seats who they court for votes. Sad, isn't it?
Jon Faine is a former presenter on ABC Radio Melbourne.
Parliament House


text:
Electronics & Networking
Scholars look to early 20th century radio technology to improve Internet security
A new study shows how harnessing the quantum properties of light can create a transmission technology impervious to eavesdropping.
By Andrew Myers
Gallium arsenide chip
Imagine communicating with your bank, the IRS or your doctor by way of an Internet that was perfectly secure. Your most private data would be protected with absolute certainty and, better yet, if any bad actor were to try to eavesdrop you would know immediately. Such is the promise of secure quantum communication.
Should quantum communication ever become the standard—if there is ever to be a quantum Internet, for instance—technical challenges lie ahead. Among the most critical will be devices that can send and receive quantum data. To that end, researchers at Stanford University have created a novel quantum light source that might someday serve as the basis for quantum communication. They explained their findings in a paper published by the journal Nature Photonics.
The physics of quantum communication is admittedly complex. Standard lasers are actually not useful for secure communication because they emit what is called "classical" light. Data eavesdroppers could extract any data being carried via classical light without detection. In contrast, a quantum Internet would be based on "quantum" light, in which a single unit of light—a single photon—cannot be measured without being destroyed. Therefore, an efficient source of quantum light would enable perfectly secure communication.
Senior author Jelena Vuckovic, a professor of electrical engineering at Stanford, has been working for years to develop various nanoscale lasers and quantum technologies that might help conventional computers communicate faster and more efficiently using light instead of electricity. She and her team, including lead author Kevin Fischer, a doctoral candidate, realized that a modified nanoscale laser can be used to efficiently generate quantum light for quantum communication.
"The problem is that the quantum light is much weaker than the rest of the light coming from such a modified laser—it is difficult to pick up," Vuckovic said. "So, we created a way to filter out the unwanted light, allowing us to read the quantum signal much better."
The filtering works in a fashion similar to the way noise-canceling headphones operate, only with light, instead of sound. With the headphones, a sensor actively gauges the frequency of relatively constant ambient sound—the rumble of traffic, the drone of an airplane engine, the thrum of a refrigerator—and produces a similar pattern, which can be used to cancel out the undesirable sound.
"Some of the light coming back from the modified laser is like noise, preventing us from seeing the quantum light," Fischer said. "We canceled it out to reveal and emphasize the quantum signal hidden beneath."
Vuckovic's team adapted an interference technique borrowed from 1930s-era radio engineering to cancel the unwanted classical light. They first figured out what the "noise" looks like and played it back. By carefully adjusting how the canceling light and the classical light overlap, the unwanted light is canceled and the once-hidden quantum light is revealed.
"This is a very promising development," Vuckovic said. "It provides us with a practical pathway to secure quantum communications."
She and her team are now working on creating a working prototype, but that will have to wait for another paper.
Jelena Vuckovic, professor of electrical engineering
Scott Delp: Better gait, better life
Computation & Data, Health, Technology & Society
Can we develop computer chips that run on light?
Computation & Data, Electronics & Networking, Materials
An artificial retina that could help restore sight to the blind
Electronics & Networking, Health