A proposal signed with 40 big names from China's music industry calls for safeguards of Internet music.

Some of China's top musicians and songwriters are campaigning to safeguard Internet music.

Forty musicians signed a proposal on October 19 during a meeting of the Chinese Musicians' Association to discuss problems in online music, namely songs that gain popularity through the Internet.

The musicians, led by veteran lyricist Yan Su, acknowledged that the Internet serves as a useful publicity tool for musicians, and that online music has created a burgeoning industry. However, musicians lashed out at a number of songs that have tried to make a name for themselves through low-browed or even pornographic lyrics, referring to such songs as That Night.

That Night topped the infamous list of the "top 10 low-browed Internet songs," picked by Internet users early this year. Commentators say its lyrics give obvious reference to a one-night stand.

The musicians believe that this type of music misleads listeners and harms teenagers, who make up an increasing portion of Internet users in China.

The proposal calls on all people working in the music industry to replace such salaciousness with healthy and positive lyrics, and lead young music fans to appreciate good music.

A survey on the website people.com.cn shows 90 percent of respondents applauded the proposal.
 
(CRI.cn October 24, 2007)