The majors probably can't afford a replacement. But that's their problem: on Monday, RIAA president Mitch Bainwol officially stepped down, the end of a period marked by massive industry declines, relatively little Congressional traction, modest ISP concessions, questionable legal crusades—oh, and a wildly-inflated salary. The new home for Bainwol will be the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, whichrepresents the Big Three American automakers, Toyota, and most other major manufacturers.
These guys have more money, more political firepower, and a far better story to tell. The carmaker consortium pointed to Bainwol as a “Washington insider with strong Republican ties," and the perfect guy for some good string-pulling. “He has a reputation as someone who brings people together, and we anticipate that he will be an effective and collaborative partner in steering the auto industry forward toward greater sustainable mobility," the Association offered in a statement.
Bainwol isn't looking back—and can you blame him? “Americans love cars and just as importantly, understand that the economic destiny of our country is linked to the success of this sector," Bainwol waxed. The same, unfortunately, can't be said for music, though this wasn't always the case.
Bainwol does have connections, though the lingering question is whether that really aided the major labels in their darkest hour. Among his 'greatest hits,' Bainwol and company successfully defeated file-sharing nemesis Grokster in a Supreme Court battle, though the practical impact of that precedent was essentially superficial. Meanwhile, the impact of a multi-year bash of Limewire remains an open question, and a ruthless, unapologetic legal war against fans remains regrettable.
Of course, Bainwol was mostly following the orders of major label executives like UMG president Zach Horowitz, though questions also surround the effectiveness of Bainwol's lobbying. Just as Bainwol is stepping away, Hollywood—not the RIAA—is the one creating the biggest waves with a series of anti-piracy measures. And as Bainwol hits the exit door, that's a coattail that struggling majors are hoping to ride.
Cary Sherman, whose compensation topped $3.2 million in 2009, will assume Bainwol's responsibilities. Bainwol received $1.62 million in that year.
These guys have more money, more political firepower, and a far better story to tell. The carmaker consortium pointed to Bainwol as a “Washington insider with strong Republican ties," and the perfect guy for some good string-pulling. “He has a reputation as someone who brings people together, and we anticipate that he will be an effective and collaborative partner in steering the auto industry forward toward greater sustainable mobility," the Association offered in a statement.
Bainwol isn't looking back—and can you blame him? “Americans love cars and just as importantly, understand that the economic destiny of our country is linked to the success of this sector," Bainwol waxed. The same, unfortunately, can't be said for music, though this wasn't always the case.
Bainwol does have connections, though the lingering question is whether that really aided the major labels in their darkest hour. Among his 'greatest hits,' Bainwol and company successfully defeated file-sharing nemesis Grokster in a Supreme Court battle, though the practical impact of that precedent was essentially superficial. Meanwhile, the impact of a multi-year bash of Limewire remains an open question, and a ruthless, unapologetic legal war against fans remains regrettable.
Of course, Bainwol was mostly following the orders of major label executives like UMG president Zach Horowitz, though questions also surround the effectiveness of Bainwol's lobbying. Just as Bainwol is stepping away, Hollywood—not the RIAA—is the one creating the biggest waves with a series of anti-piracy measures. And as Bainwol hits the exit door, that's a coattail that struggling majors are hoping to ride.
Cary Sherman, whose compensation topped $3.2 million in 2009, will assume Bainwol's responsibilities. Bainwol received $1.62 million in that year.
