Music Recording, Broadcasting & Streaming News

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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

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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

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

The MU has written to the BBC to raise concerns about its recent withdrawal from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme.

Published: 23 November 2021

Two musicians both on guitar playing in what appears to be a small pub environment

Wide Days 2021 Releases Career Resources for Musicians

Covering topics including Covid-19 secure approaches to the future, international marketing tips, and getting your music on TV and radio – Wide Days have just released a selection of useful recordings on their youtube channel, following their 2021 Scottish Music Convention.

Published: 18 November 2021

Electronic Artist Scanner on His Music Experiments and Working in Lockdown

Electronic musician Robin Rimbaud has been producing music under the name Scanner for many years now. Here he explains his methods of creation and hopes for the future.

Published: 17 November 2021

People sitting on steps at Primavera Sound 2015 Festival

No Visas Required for Musicians for Short-Term Work in Spain

Visas are no longer required for musicians for a short term work when travelling to Spain.

Published: 17 November 2021

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Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

A research team based at the University of the West of Scotland, University of Strathclyde and University of Winchester are running an anonymous online survey on bullying, harassment and the wider culture of the music industry.

Published: 16 November 2021

Two young adults playing their guitars in the kicthen, both are holding acoustic guitars as if they are preparing to play them.

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

The recently published report, Creating a More Inclusive Classical Music, reveals the barriers to access that exist in the classical music industry, and sets out a three-year plan of action.

Published: 16 November 2021

Silhouette of a person standing against a stage light, the light is shining through their shoulder length hair.

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to M Magazine about Safe Space and changing the culture of the music industry to end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 12 November 2021

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Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

The report presents crucial action points highlighting the barriers our members face engaging with the MU, and how we can take steps to remove them.

Published: 09 November 2021

A person is sat at a large recording desk, we can just see the back of their head with short cropped hair, a baseball cap, and earphones over their ears.

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

It is fair to say that the Fix Streaming campaign, run jointly by the Musicians’ Union and The Ivors Academy, and Tom Gray's Broken Record have had far greater impact in a short period of time than we thought possible when we embarked on this journey.

Published: 09 November 2021

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Take Action to Fix Streaming: Ask Your MP to Support Kevin Brennan’s Bill

On 3 December, MPs will have an opportunity to fix streaming. Be sure your voice is heard in the debate.

Published: 08 November 2021

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Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

November is TUC Young Workers Month, when the whole trade union movement comes together to celebrate, and campaign on issues affecting, young members.

Published: 05 November 2021

A guitar player in a function band, we can see the back of the neck of an electric guitar looking out over a blurred audience

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

Forty-four Conservative MPs are calling for key measures to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 05 November 2021

A huge crowd of climate protestrors with various banners gathered in a street, a blow up beachball style planet is being thrown by the crowd.

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

In the run up to COP26, Make My Money Matter (MMMM) have released a free online guide for organisations committing to greening their pensions – one which members may find useful to share with employers and colleagues where relevant.

Published: 29 October 2021

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer holds up his red suitcase outside 10 Downing Street

MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

Whilst the budget announcement did offer a welcome extension to the orchestras tax relief and business rate relief for venues, the choice not to take forward further music tax incentives and the hike in VAT could have a negative impact on the sector.

Published: 28 October 2021

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MU Member Gives Speech at STUC Women’s Conference

MU Member Katherine Liley gave a speech at this year’s Scottish Trades Union Congress Women’s Conference, citing her own personal experiences and those of women around her, calling for a motion on creating safe workplaces for women to be moved.

Published: 27 October 2021

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

To celebrate Black History Month, Love Music Hate Racism have hosted a special episode of their #SpeakUpThursday radio show, featuring Chardine Taylor Stone.

Published: 22 October 2021

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Music Support to Run Addiction and Recovery Workshop For Musicians

As part of Addiction Awareness Week, Music Support are offering free places on their brand-new Addiction & Recovery workshop – with applications closing on Monday 25 October.

Published: 22 October 2021

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UK Music Report Reveals Economic Impact of Covid-19

Research by UK Music reveals the music industry contributed £3.1 billion to the UK economy in 2020, down from £5.8bn in 2019.

Published: 20 October 2021

Competition and Markets Authority Launches Market Study Into Music Streaming

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy, and Broken Record founder Tom Gray welcome the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) decision to launch a market study into music streaming.

Published: 19 October 2021

The MU Supports "Being Black in The UK Music Industry" Report Recommendations

The MU fully supports the recommendations made in Black Lives in Music’s survey report highlighting the systemic racism that Black musicians experience across the music industry. The MU’s John Shortell explains why.

Published: 13 October 2021

Two women are sat on a sofa, dressed for the office they are discussing something on a laptop and making hand gestures.

TUC Publish Handy Primer On Engaging With Your Employer About Climate Change

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) have published a 15-minute primer on everything you need to know to set up a meeting with your employer and get the conversation going a green transition in the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow this year.

Published: 11 October 2021

Against a blue background is a miniature toy globe that functions as a map of the world, with a large pair of black earphones sitting behind the globe.

Music Declares Emergency to Host First Climate Music Blowout Event

The event – which will run on Sunday 17 October in London – will include an afternoon of discussion on how the UK music industry can respond to the climate emergency, followed by a ticketed evening show celebrating the power of music.

Published: 11 October 2021

A pineapple wearing earphones and heart-shaped sunglasses is stood on a white sanded beach with blue sea and bluer sky in the background.

New Recordings Added to Our Career Development Section

We’ve recently added recordings from some of our online events to the Career Starter Kits which we host on our website – adding to the selection of member-only resources currently available.

Published: 08 October 2021

Young person wearing a face mask, and showing their vaccine plaster on their arm.

Covid-19 Passes to be Introduced in Wales

Covid passes will be introduced in Wales from Monday 11 October, following a vote in the Senedd on Tuesday 5 October.

Published: 07 October 2021

Photograph of Labour Party Deputy leader Angela Rayner giving her speech at the Labour Party Conference

The MU at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

The MU took a delegation to the Labour Party Conference, voting on a number of important motions and holding meetings with Labour MPs – as well as making a fleeting visit to the Conservative Party Conference to discuss the Fix Streaming campaign.

Published: 05 October 2021

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Recording and Broadcasting News

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

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

Wide Days 2021 Releases Career Resources for Musicians

Electronic Artist Scanner on His Music Experiments and Working in Lockdown

No Visas Required for Musicians for Short-Term Work in Spain

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

Take Action to Fix Streaming: Ask Your MP to Support Kevin Brennan’s Bill

Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

MU Member Gives Speech at STUC Women’s Conference

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

Music Support to Run Addiction and Recovery Workshop For Musicians

UK Music Report Reveals Economic Impact of Covid-19

Competition and Markets Authority Launches Market Study Into Music Streaming

The MU Supports "Being Black in The UK Music Industry" Report Recommendations

TUC Publish Handy Primer On Engaging With Your Employer About Climate Change

Music Declares Emergency to Host First Climate Music Blowout Event

New Recordings Added to Our Career Development Section

Covid-19 Passes to be Introduced in Wales

The MU at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences