Music Recording, Broadcasting & Streaming News

Photo of a warmly-lit recording studio with a drum kit and piano.

Old City Studio Offers MU Members 10% Discount

The MU has partnered with Old City Studio in Bristol to offer members discounted recording time. Find out about the studio space and how to book a session.

Published: 01 September 2026

Close up hands holding a pen and paper in front of a keyboard.

Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures

The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has passed 10,000 signatures on its petition calling for greater transparency around copyrighted works used to train generative AI. The MU, a CRA member, fully supports the campaign, which is now aiming for 100,000 signatures.

Published: 28 August 2026

A fiddle player playing with an accordion player as part of a folk music performance.

Take Part in European Folk Day 2026

Folk musicians are encouraged to take part in the 4th annual European Folk Day taking place on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

Published: 20 August 2026

Young Black musician, wearing headphones, In the foreground is a recording mic and pop shield.

Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026

Meet the MU’s Sam Jordan and Louise Stanners Pow at this year’s hip hop conference and festival, and learn more about copyright, sampling, ownership and collaboration.

Published: 13 August 2026

Blurry silhouette of a woman singing into a microphone.

BLACMEX Launches Music Mapping Platform to Build Visibility for Black Music Creators

BLACMEX has soft-launched a new platform for music creators working in Black music genres. Designed to help creators document professional activity and strengthen funding applications, the platform will also support a better understanding of Black music's impact across the UK.

Published: 12 August 2026

Closeup of a piece of recording equipment against a dark background.

Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh

The MU has partnered with Studio Forty Two, a boutique recording facility in Edinburgh, to offer members discounted studio time.

Published: 01 August 2026

Blue digital sound waves over a black background.

Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?

AI-generated voices, deepfakes and digital replicas are creating new challenges for musicians. Dr Hayleigh Bosher examines why existing UK copyright law may not be enough, and how personality rights could give creators greater control over their image and voice.

Published: 20 July 2026

Music composer sat in front of a computer screen and laptop, wearing headphones and making notes.

MU Backs Global Call for Artists’ Rights in AI Music Deals

The MU has joined artists, songwriters and music industry organisations from around the world in signing a new open letter coordinated by the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA), calling for creators' rights to be respected in AI-related music deals.

Published: 25 June 2026

A record being played with a graphic of blue computer code placed over the image.

MU Shares Solidarity with American Federation of Musicians in Artificial Intelligence Court Case

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has written to the American Federation of Musicians (AfM) – our US counterpart – in solidarity as they take Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group to court.

Published: 18 June 2026

The inside of Kempston Street Studios in Liverpool.

New Member Discount at Kempston Street Studios in Liverpool

The Musicians’ Union has teamed up with Kempston Street Studios in Liverpool, to offer members discounted studio time.

Published: 01 June 2026

The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

MU Announce ‘Money in the Mix Panel’ at Liverpool Sound City Conference Next Month

The MU will host a specialist panel discussion at the 2026 Liverpool Sound City Conference, bringing vital focus to rates of pay, rights, and royalties for session musicians working across the modern music industry. Members can also receive a discount on tickets.

Published: 22 April 2026

Close up of women singing into a microphone on stage, with someone playing acoustic guitar to her right.

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

All parts of the UK’s live sector must recognise and uphold the value of songs and songwriters, says a new statement from the Council of Music Makers.

Published: 15 April 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing in front of Number 10 Downing Street, along with general secretaries from unions across the country.

MU General Secretary Raises AI Concerns with Prime Minister

The MU has welcomed the Government’s rethink on AI but has emphasised the importance of copyright reform to the Prime Minister. While the shift away from an opt-out system is positive, we continue to call for Government intervention to ensure musicians are fairly paid as AI licensing grows.

Published: 19 March 2026

The inside of Third Floor Recording studio.

New Member Discount at Third Floor Recording Studio

The Musicians’ Union has teamed up with Third Floor Recording, a full-service recording studio in South London, to offer members discounted studio time.

Published: 01 February 2026

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Young musicians recording in home studio, singing and playing guitar.

MU Distributes Record £2 Million in Royalties for 2025

In a year marked by growing industry pressures, the MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team has delivered its largest-ever royalty distribution, with more than £2 million returned to musicians.

Published: 11 December 2025

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Important Update for Members: MU Sections and Committees Rebrand

From April 2026, MU Sections will be relaunched as ‘Sectors’, and their Committees as ‘Advisory Boards’. Elections will also take place in the new year for members to form the new Advisory Boards for the next two-year term.

Published: 11 December 2025

A close-up of the BBC Scotland building in Glasgow.

BBC Radio Scotland Axes Four Longstanding Music Shows

Four of Scotland's best-known radio shows are due to be dropped by the end of the year and replaced with a new 'easy listening' programme for more mainstream appeal. Sign the petition to help reverse the decision and protect the future of music in Scotland.

Published: 17 November 2025

Lisa and Naomi on the MU's stand at Labour Party Conference in 2024, they are against a black and yellow backdrop that says 'We are the MU' and 'We are Union strong'.

MU General Secretary Meets Culture Secretary to Discuss Arts Funding and AI

Naomi Pohl discussed the challenges facing musicians, including the impact of AI, funding shortfalls, and industry standards.

Published: 06 November 2025

Instruments and mics in a recording booth with sound proofed walls.

Help Protect UK Recording Studios – Sign the Petition for Fair Business Rates

The MU backs calls for studios to be included in the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure business rates relief scheme and urges members to sign the petition to support reclassification.

Published: 20 October 2025

Naomi Pohl speaking on stage at a Labour Party Conference 2025.

MU General Secretary Addresses Artificial Intelligence and Music Streaming at Labour Party Conference

There’s money in music but it doesn’t go to musicians, Musicians’ Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl tells Labour Party Conference 2025.

Published: 30 September 2025

Young Black male musician, singing into a microphone against a bright studio light.

MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025

The MU is proud to sponsor the 2025 Black Welsh Music Awards (BWMA), which will take place on Saturday 4 October at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff.

Published: 03 September 2025

Large, modern, empty recording studio. The mixing desk is facing the booth.

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

PPL (the organisation that collects and distributes royalties for recorded music when it’s played in public or broadcast) is currently investigating reports of inaccurate performer line-ups. MU members are urged to report if they see individuals listed who did not perform on their recording.

Published: 26 August 2025

Close up of hands on a mixing desk in a studio recording music.

Fix Streaming: Government Announces New Measures for Legacy Artists, Songwriters and Session Musicians

Government recently announced a package of principles and commitments that they say will better remunerate musicians and music creators.

Published: 31 July 2025

Hands holding a tablet with graphics of musical notes, a play bar and button, and controls over the top, representing streaming.

MU in Action: the Fix Streaming Campaign

How did the campaign to fix music streaming start, and where will it go in 2025? MU Campaigns and Social Media Manager Maddy Radcliff explores the Fix Streaming story so far.

Published: 28 July 2025

Two male session musicians in a recording studio, one playing electric guitar and the other drums.

Musicians' Union Reacts to Government and Record Labels’ Announcement

The Government and record labels, including the three major labels, have announced a package of principles and commitments, which they say will better remunerate creators in the streaming era.

Published: 22 July 2025

Alex on stage speaking to delegates in front of a microphone.

MU Delegate Conference 2025 is Underway in Liverpool

Violinist and Chair of the Executive Committee, Alex Gascoine, opens MU Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 22 July 2025

Large group of people on the riverside in front of Parliament, holding up various creative banners and signs.

Data Bill Passes Without Generative AI Protections

Parliament has passed the Data Bill without an amendment aimed to protect musicians and creators from generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Published: 13 June 2025

A circuit/motherboard with orange lights, a button with a human brain design is in the centre.

New Research Shows Urgent Action is Needed to Protect Creative Workers in the Age of Generative AI

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is already having profound impacts on the UK’s creative economy, according to new research backed by the MU.

Published: 05 June 2025

A South Asian musician holding an electric guitar and playing a midi keyboard while sat at a desk.

Lila Launches First Survey on South Asian Experiences in UK Music Industry

South Asian music creators, managers, executives, and behind-the-scenes professionals are encouraged to contribute their experiences to the new survey - and be in with a chance of winning AKG K271 headphones or free studio time!

Published: 15 May 2025

Male musician composing an electronic music score at a computer and laptop.

MU Raises Concerns Over Potential Impact of US Film Tariffs on UK Musicians

Although deals are yet to be agreed, the imposition of tariffs on films produced outside of the US could severely impact the UK’s film and television industry, which currently invests around £80m in musicians.

Published: 13 May 2025

Naomi Pohl holding a sign saying 'Don't let AI steal our music - make it fair' in front of Parliament with a large demo group.

MU Joins Demo to Highlight Creators’ AI Concerns Ahead of Parliament Debate

The MU took part in a demo outside parliament today, organised by UK Music, to highlight creator and performer concerns about the potential impact of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) on their rights and future careers.

Published: 07 May 2025

Exterior of the Clermont Hotel Charing Cross branch.

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Clermont Hotels means MU members can book discounted hotel rooms at various locations in London, as an exclusive membership benefit.

Published: 01 May 2025

A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

Close up of sound engineer recording a live orchestra.

Musicians in Orchestras Across UK Urgently Call on Government to Address Lack of Streaming Royalties

The MU and players in over 20 orchestras across the UK have signed an open letter to call upon the Government to urgently address the lack of streaming royalties for musicians.

Published: 04 April 2025

The inside of the hotel lobby of a Point A hotel.

MU Launches Another Member Benefit of Discounted Hotels Across UK

Our new partnership with Point A Hotels means that members can now benefit from discounted hotel rooms in Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.

Published: 01 April 2025

A young, Black female musician, playing electric guitar in a recording studio.

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

How can the music industry fix streaming for session players and ensure that all artists get fair pay from music streaming? Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 28 March 2025

A pair of headphones in a neon pink light.

'Is This What We Want?' Album Protests Proposed Changes to Copyright Law

Over 1000 musicians back ‘silent’ album in protest against UK government proposals to allow tech firms to train AI models on creative work.

Published: 27 February 2025

MPs and representatives from the CMM, sat along a table for dinner at Parliament, to discuss the Fix Streaming campaign.

MPs Support Musicians and Music Creators at Event in Parliament

It comes at a crucial point in Creator Remuneration Working Group negotiations to fix streaming and get a better deal for musicians and music creators.

Published: 13 February 2025

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