Protect Our BBC

The BBC is facing the biggest threat to its funding in a generation

The BBC is the UK’s public broadcaster. It’s owned by all of us. And it’s the single largest employer of musicians, and the biggest commissioner of new music, in the UK.

But its funding and its future is under threat. Next year, the two documents that outline how the BBC is governed, regulated and funded — the ‘Charter’ and the ‘Agreement’ — are up for renewal and the fight starts now.

Negotiations will be taking place against a backdrop of rising far right sentiment and increasing attacks on the BBC from the prominent figures — in particular from Reform UK, who want to abolish the BBC completely.

The MU is concerned that any change to how the BBC is funded is likely to have a direct impact on musicians’ jobs, pay and conditions — whether you’re employed or freelance.

It will also affect opportunities for a diverse range of musicians to be heard, and for audiences to listen to music that reflects their lives and experiences.

That’s not to say the BBC is always perfect. But it belongs to us and without it, UK music would not be the world leader that it is today.

Emailing your MP is the best way to be sure your voice is heard in Parliament.

The Union urges all members to highlight the following key points:

• How the BBC has helped your career
• The facts and figures on this page
• That the licence fee may not be perfect, but it is the fairest model for funding the BBC and must be maintained.

Find your MP’s email address on the Parliament website. 

Remember, you can still write to your MP if you’re a British citizen living abroad, or if you have no fixed address.

Sign petitions to protect our BBC

Without one central petition to focus on, members are encouraged to sign all those they feel appropriate. It’s likely more will pop up reflecting how much the BBC does and how important it is to many people.

Current petitions in support of the BBC include:

• More than a licence – protect our BBC by BECTU
• Our BBC by We Own It

The Union will be keeping this list updated as new petitions emerge.

Share how the BBC has supported your career

Nearly every musician will interact with the BBC at some point in their career.

Show people how important the BBC is to you and other musicians; share your experiences using the hashtag #ProtectOurBBC.

Plus, mention the MU for a chance to be featured on union social media:

• Share on BlueSky and tag us @wearethemu.bsky.social
• Share on Instagram and tag us @WeAreTheMU
• Share on Facebook and tag us @musicians.union