#ProtectOurBBC

Protect Our BBC

Protect the biggest employer of musicians in the UK.

£23m* spent a year on orchestras and performing groups

5* full time BBC Orchestras across the UK

90%* UK adults use BBC TV, iPlayer, Radio or Online every week

Email your MP

* Source: BBC

The BBC belongs to all of us. It’s up to all of us to protect it.

Performing Groups

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

The MU believes the BBC is signalling a reset of the consultation process and the union will enter talks with them on the basis that discussion will focus on alternatives to the job cuts.

Learn more

Outside of BBC headquarters building London.

Why it matters

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

The BBC is the single largest employer of musicians in the UK.

It supports 5 full time orchestras. It employs more than 400 contract musicians, and many hundreds on a freelance basis. It’s home to BBC Introducing, a vital part of the UK’s talent pipeline.

It plays more music than any commercial radio station. It supports Radio 1, Radio 1Xtra, Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1 relax, Radio 2, Radio 3, 6Music and the Asian Network alongside national, devolved and local talk radio across the UK. It hosts the world’s greatest classical music festival, the Proms.

And it is the main commissioner of new music in the UK – supporting music writers, session players and many more.

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.

BBC Singers

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and conductor Jack Apperley have delivered a copy of the Save the BBC Singers petition to BBC Director General Tim Davie.

Learn more

Naomi Pohl and Jack Apperley holding the Singers petition outside of the BBC offices.

Latest news

BBC Singers and Orchestras Update

A joint update from the BBC and Musicians' Union on the future of the BBC Singers and orchestras.

Published: 15 February 2024

Naomi Pohl at this year's Labour Conference holding a large red sign saying 'There is power in a union'.

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Labour's National Policy Forum document sets out major improvements for musicians thanks to lobbying by the Musicians' Union.

Published: 10 October 2023

Naomi Pohl and the UK Music Delegation outside 10 Downing Street this week to discuss the impact of AI on the music industry.

MU General Secretary Summer Update

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at your rights and AI, developments in the Fix Streaming campaign, and how we’re negotiating the best rates for members.

Published: 07 September 2023

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened MU Delegate Conference with a look at how work has changed in the last two years, and how the union is tackling the big challenges facing musicians.

Published: 02 August 2023

Across a long room full of delegates sat at tables, we see Naomi presenting to the group, speaking into a microphone

Read the MU General Secretary Speech From 2023’s Delegate Conference

In her opening speech at this year’s MU Delegate Conference, General Secretary Naomi Pohl describes how the Union is making progress in negotiations, campaigning and lobbying – and how we are improving what we do for members all the time. Read her full speech below.

Published: 25 July 2023

Around the web

Prospect Magazine

"How to save the BBC"

"BBC: we must fiercely protect public service ethos"

The Guardian

"The BBC must defend itself with all its might against this mortal threat"

Advice

MU Collective agreement

BBC (TV and Radio) Agreement & Rates

The MU negotiates agreement with BBC. Through these negotiations, we set rates of pay and terms and conditions for session musicians.

MU Collective agreement

BBC Orchestras Agreement & Rates

The MU negotiates collective agreements with BBC Orchestras (BBCSO, BBCCO, BBCNOW, BBCPO and BBCSSO) for employed and freelance orchestra musicians.

How the MU Works

MU Music Industry Sections

We represent musicians from different professions, including recording, live, composers and orchestras.

Young Musicians

Learn about what the MU does for young musicians, and about the Young Workers Network.

Protect Our BBC

The BBC belongs to all of us. It’s up to all of us to protect it.

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

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

Sign petitions to protect our BBC

Share a message of support for the BBC on social media

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

Why it matters

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

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie