Digital Economy Bill 'will secure the future of musicians'

Prominent music industry figures including Simon Cowell are urging politicians to pass the Digital Economy Bill as a matter of urgency.

The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent mogul is one of several signatories to a letter to MPs calling for the legislation to be implemented as soon as possible.

Those who have signed the letter believe the Digital Economy Bill could help secure the future of people who work in the creative industries, such as musicians.

"It will ensure that British creators, entertainment companies and the 1.8 million people who work in and around the cultural sector are fairly paid when they put their work online," the document stated.

The letter noted that digital entertainment services are becoming more and more popular with consumers, giving people an unprecedented range of choice.

However, it stated that these new business models can only develop if more is done to prevent people illegally accessing material for free.

Other signatories to the letter include author Sir Terry Pratchett and Stephen Garrett of Kudos, the TV production company behind Life on Mars and Hustle.

Product category: Electronic musical instruments