The United Nations' World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will be meeting on June 21 in Barcelona and attempt to push through the Broadcasting Treaty.  In essence, the treaty gives broadcasters the right to control the use of audiovisual material for 50 years after broadcasting it.  Not the creators, nor copyright holders will have these rights if the treaty is adopted.

Initially, after expressed concern by the majority of WIPO member states (including Brazil and Chile), the WIPO agreed to remove podcasting from the treaty, but now it is being included again.  It's a big deal for creators of podcasts and webcasts and could set a scary precedent for the future.

If you happen to be in Barcelona, the meeting is open to the public.  If not, you can contact your Congressional representative and express your concern.

Jamie Boyle wrote an in-depth look at the issues concerning the WIPO proposals for the Financial Times.  Read it here.