Music Recording, Broadcasting & Streaming News

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Help Musicians Launches New Bullying and Harassment Helpline for the UK Music Industry

A new helpline that supports those suffering bullying and harassment within the UK music industry has launched today, providing support, guidance and advice through specialist advisors.

Published: 10 March 2022

Naomi Pohl Elected as First Female General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union on International Women’s Day

It has been confirmed today that Naomi Pohl has been elected as MU General Secretary.

Published: 08 March 2022

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Ivory Ban – Latest Update

The Government has announced a registration process for items containing Ivory.

Published: 04 March 2022

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Free Sexual Harassment Toolkit From The Fawcett Society

The Tackling Sexual Harassment in the Workplace toolkit is a free resource available to both employers and employees.

Published: 04 March 2022

Expressing Solidarity With Ukraine

We know that MU members are very concerned about the situation in Ukraine and keen to express solidarity and take action in support of the country and its people.

Published: 02 March 2022

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General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

The MU Executive Committee has reluctantly voted to reject a motion from 20 members received on Tuesday 22 February requesting that the deadline for receipt of General Secretary election ballot papers be extended by a minimum of one week.

Published: 28 February 2022

Essential Guide to Music Funding Now Available

The Unsigned Guide have released a 36 page Essential Guide to Music Funding aimed at emerging and unsigned artists and bands.

Published: 25 February 2022

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Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Following a decision at the last MU delegate conference, parental grants for members are now offered per-child in the case of multiple births or adoptions.

Published: 24 February 2022

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Creative Ambitions for Freelancers Programme

The Creative Ambitions skills development and support programme is now open and available to those based in Scotland.

Published: 24 February 2022

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Prime Minister Announces End to Covid-19 Restrictions and Free Mass Testing in England

The Prime Minister announced on Monday 21 February that Covid-19 restrictions and free mass testing will end in England. Scotland has also announced changes. Restrictions in Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to be reviewed.

Published: 23 February 2022

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MU Evolves its Copyright Registration Service

After member feedback and as part of our commitment to the climate, we’re no longer issuing CDs. Instead, we’re offering sound advice on how members can best protect themselves.

Published: 16 February 2022

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The Competition & Markets Authority Wants to Hear From You to Help Fix Streaming

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) is asking for comments on the scope of its market study into music and streaming services.

Published: 11 February 2022

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General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

The final stage of the process to elect the next MU General Secretary, the postal ballot, opens on Monday 14 February. Further information about the ballot and the process so far are provided below.

Published: 10 February 2022

British Black Music to Hold Overview and Progress Forum One Year After UK Music Diversity Report Released

Members are encouraged to attend the online forum on 16 February, to hear and interrogate the progress of the UK Music 10-Point Plan presented by the UK Music Diversity Taskforce leads.

Published: 09 February 2022

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Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

Morrish Solicitors are the new provider for our personal injury claim service and other legal service benefits.

Published: 07 February 2022

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MU Reacts to NFT Platform HitPiece

We are aware that many musicians have expressed alarm that works associated with them have been presented for auction as NFTs, seemingly without their knowledge by the platform HitPiece.

Published: 04 February 2022

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MU National Organiser Chris Walters Talks to Music for Youth’s Remix Podcast

Listen now to the Spotify podcast where the MU's Chris Walters discusses studying music, the role music plays in mental health and more.

Published: 26 January 2022

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Free Addiction and Recovery Workshop from Music Support for MU Members

We’re pleased to share that our friends at Music Support are currently offering our members the opportunity to attend their Addiction and Recovery Workshop for free.

Published: 25 January 2022

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POWER UP Announces Year 2 Participant Programme Deadline

The holistic POWER UP Participant Programme which includes grants of up to £15k, mentoring, partner, marketing and network support is open for applications until Thursday 17 February 2022.

Published: 25 January 2022

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PiPA are Looking for Classical Musicians, Composers, Singers and Conductors to Take Part in Their Inaugural Classical Music Survey

This aim of the survey is to investigate the impact of caring responsibilities on career progression in Classical Music as well as wider workforce issues including work-life balance and wellbeing.

Published: 20 January 2022

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Music Support Asks for Feedback From MU Members

Music Support is a charity that provides help for musicians dealing with addiction and/or mental health issues. Please complete their survey by 1 February to help improve and develop its services.

Published: 20 January 2022

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

The two-year license fee freeze is likely to harm job opportunities for musicians as The BBC is the single biggest employer of MU members in the UK.

Published: 19 January 2022

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Some funding will be available from this week as restrictions are relaxed.

Published: 18 January 2022

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Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

SMEadvisor have been in touch with the MU to let us know that they have access to grants of up to £10,000 for businesses in the central Portsmouth area that continue to be impacted by the economic impact of Covid-19.

Published: 11 January 2022

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Making the Most of Instagram as an Artist

With social media increasingly becoming a key aspect of the music business, Katie Nicholls talks to artists and digital experts to find out if Instagram is the holy grail it promises to be for musicians.

Published: 08 January 2022

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Temporary Change to Fit Notes

The Government has announced that employers cannot ask for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) until after 28 days of sickness, including non-working days. This is a temporary measure to give GPs more time to work on the Covid-19 booster.

Published: 04 January 2022

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Equality is a trade union issue, and the collective weight of the MU is the key to successfully creating safer and fairer workplaces and communities for musicians.

Published: 30 December 2021

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Getting Paid When Asked to Work For Free

Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic, incidences of musicians being asked to play for free are still rife. Neil Crossley examines how the MU is responding and what musicians can do.

Published: 23 December 2021

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Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

Due to the significant rise in Covid-19 infections across the UK, in-person Regional Nomination Meetings will now be held online instead.

Published: 23 December 2021

A drummer is playing on a kit in their home, a laptop computer set up near them is recording the performance.

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

The MU is calling on the Government to account for the urgent needs of its members in the coming weeks due to the impact of the Omicron variant and the subsequent rise in Covid-19 cases.

Published: 21 December 2021

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Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Find out more about what Hencilla Canworth, the administrators of the MU members’ pension scheme, are doing to consider their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment strategy.

Published: 09 December 2021

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Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance. Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking.

Published: 09 December 2021

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

The TUC will be launching a new resource toolkit for reps around preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, on Monday 13 December at 2:00 pm.

Published: 07 December 2021

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Recording Industry Strikes Back at ‘Empty Studios’ Assessment

Online channel slipped disk has published an assessment of the recording industry which stands in complete contrast to the recent experience of those who regularly work in London’s principal and world-famous facilities.

Published: 06 December 2021

Campaigner holds a sign which reads Fix Streaming in a crowd of musicians at Parliament Square, London.

Campaign to Fix Streaming Continues as MPs Voice Support in Brennan Bill Debate

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy and Broken Record will continue the campaign to fix streaming despite Kevin Brennan MP’s Copyright (Rights And Remuneration Of Musicians) Private Members' Bill not passing today.

Published: 03 December 2021

MP Esther McVey stands in Parliament Square holding a sign that reads Fix Streaming. She's surrounded by other musicians, holding instruments and banners.

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl joined Kevin Brennan MP and Esther McVey MP to deliver a letter in support of streaming reform.

Published: 02 December 2021

Lucy Powell MP stands with microphone, she's wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket. The crowd is out of focus.

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

MU welcomes the appointment of the New Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, Lucy Powell MP.

Published: 02 December 2021

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Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

UK Music and UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce is calling for greater transparency in the battle to boost diversity and inclusion across the music business and creative industries.

Published: 29 November 2021

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You Could Be Heroes: Musicians, Songwriters, Composers and Featured Artist Share Their Fix Streaming Message for MPs

MPs joined musicians and music creators in Parliament Square to show their support for Kevin Brennan MP's Private Members’ Bill.

Published: 26 November 2021

Grey skys over westminister bridge, with the houses of parliament and big ben in view in the background.

Brexit Lobbying Update

An update following the debate held in Westminster Hall on enabling visa and work permit free travel for musicians in the EU, with renewed calls from MPs for the Government to sort out remaining issues for musicians.

Published: 23 November 2021

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Recording and Broadcasting News

Help Musicians Launches New Bullying and Harassment Helpline for the UK Music Industry

Naomi Pohl Elected as First Female General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union on International Women’s Day

Ivory Ban – Latest Update

Free Sexual Harassment Toolkit From The Fawcett Society

Expressing Solidarity With Ukraine

General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

Essential Guide to Music Funding Now Available

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Creative Ambitions for Freelancers Programme

Prime Minister Announces End to Covid-19 Restrictions and Free Mass Testing in England

MU Evolves its Copyright Registration Service

The Competition & Markets Authority Wants to Hear From You to Help Fix Streaming

General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

British Black Music to Hold Overview and Progress Forum One Year After UK Music Diversity Report Released

Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

MU Reacts to NFT Platform HitPiece

MU National Organiser Chris Walters Talks to Music for Youth’s Remix Podcast

Free Addiction and Recovery Workshop from Music Support for MU Members

POWER UP Announces Year 2 Participant Programme Deadline

PiPA are Looking for Classical Musicians, Composers, Singers and Conductors to Take Part in Their Inaugural Classical Music Survey

Music Support Asks for Feedback From MU Members

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

Making the Most of Instagram as an Artist

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Getting Paid When Asked to Work For Free

Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

Recording Industry Strikes Back at ‘Empty Studios’ Assessment

Campaign to Fix Streaming Continues as MPs Voice Support in Brennan Bill Debate

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

You Could Be Heroes: Musicians, Songwriters, Composers and Featured Artist Share Their Fix Streaming Message for MPs

Brexit Lobbying Update