Music is a shared thing. Something that sets a mood. Something that sparks a memory. Something new to discover, or share. Something that stamps a certain style on someone, or some place.

It is by no means valueless many artists struggle financially in their profession, and should be duly rewarded for their creativity. If their music helps define a business and its success or failure, they should be compensated. But music's accessibility is being challenged on many fronts internet and communications breakthroughs defy the more traditional means of buying and listening to music. Styles of music which involve sampling other people's work are blurring the edges of copyright. And as CD labels struggle against this tide, the question must be: how far do we go down the path of restrictions, penalties, fees and royalties?

Some would argue raising fees at such a rate will be counter-productive. What restaurant will pay thousands for what is, essentially, background music?

The fees push also ignores the flow-on effect: a person who enjoys a particular piece of music in an establishment may then go out and buy that music.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times