ADVISORY/Copyright Bill Could Make Distance Learning Cheaper.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2001

TOPIC: Senators have introduced a proposed modification of the copyright law
that experts claim would make including video and audio segments in some
materials easier for online universities. If passed, the bill would exempt
educators from copyright fees in "distance learning" programs, which reach
students in remote areas or those studying from home, according to a story by
CNN. Those opposed to the bill reportedly say it could hurt copyright profits
and enable students to make illegal copies, according to the story. EXPERTS:
ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this
story:

Mr. Bruce Funkhouser is Vice President of Business Operations Copyright Clearance Center. Established in 1978 at the suggestion of Congress to address the copyright confusion that businesses experienced with the introduction of the photocopier, CCC has developed a series of licensing solutions that enable companies to reap the rewards of digital rights management. Through its copyright.com service, CCC empowers organizations to manage permissions and generate royalty income without having to make the technology investment, and provides a fast and efficient online method for users to seek and receive permission to use Web site content. CCC is a pioneer of digital rights management solutions and has been a well-known entity in the rights management arena for over 20 years. Since 1995, the organization has been licensing reproduction rights for documents and images over the Web, providing an effective digital commerce service, and generating millions of dollars of revenue for clients such as Dow Jones, Academy of Management, The Boston Globe and The San Francisco Chronicle. Funkhouser is responsible for the business operations department that supports all of CCC's licensing activities and rights management services. Prior to joining CCC, Funkhouser was vice president, programming/licensing/sales support at Muzak Limited Partnership. During his 10 years there, the company and its franchises grew substantially in customers, services, revenues and profits. Funkhouser enhanced and expanded the company's offerings from two music channels being delivered to 100,000 businesses in 1987, to delivering over 66 music channels via satellite to over 200,000 businesses as well as to 1,000,000 consumers in their homes in 1997. Funkhouser was also responsible for the company's licensing and lobbying activities. 978.750.8400; [e-mail]

Mr. Tom Adolph is engaged in the practice of intellectual property law. He has extensive experience in patent, trade secret, trademark, and copyright litigation; patent validity and infringement options; intellectual property licensing; and intellectual property work in connection with mergers and acquisitions. 713.229.1234; [e-mail]

Prof. Pamela Browne teaches law at Belmont University where she is Associate Dean of the Curb School of Music Business (in the College of Business at Belmont University). Her expertise include Copyright Law, Intellectual Property, Artist Management, Business Law and Entertainment Industry Law. 615.460.5504. Louis Pugliese is a seasoned education business executive with experience in education technology innovation, business development, and strategic planning for start-up businesses. He is an expert on distance education and online learning in the areas of K-12 and university education, as well as corporate training. Mr. Pugliese is the CEO of the leading company with products that power the online teaching and learning environments at nearly 3,000 colleges, universities, K-12 schools, and other organizations in more than 70 countries. PR: Jeff Kasko, PepperCom; [e-mail]

Prof. Kevin Meehan teaches in the English department at University of Central Florida. He has developed and delivered courses via distance learning, incorporating live video conferencing, powerpoint presentations, web enhancements, and email chatrooms. 407.823.2212

Ms. Barb Trzop director of Executive Education at Round Table Group, Inc. where she is in charge of part-time executive certificate programs and distance learning. 312.635.7877; ext. 879; [e-mail]

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