skip to main content

Addressing the Streaming ‘Value Gap’ in 2017

The Musicians’ Union (MU) continues to lobby at European Union (EU) and UK levels for fair remuneration for performers and songwriters from streaming.

Published: 07 July 2017 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM
The Musicians’ Union (MU) continues to lobby at European Union (EU) and UK levels for fair remuneration for performers and songwriters from streaming.  

Streaming sites like YouTube currently fall under ‘safe harbor’ legislation which effectively means they are not held responsible for user generated or uploaded content they host.  This means labels and publishers struggle to achieve reasonable licence fees for use of music.  This lack of income from streaming is commonly known as the ‘value gap’.

Record labels and music publishers have been very proactive in campaigning for legislation to change and pressure to be applied to services like YouTube, which is owned by Google, to pay fairly.

The MU is supporting this effort and has been lobbying in conjunction with the labels and publishers via UK Music.
 
There is a petition you can sign

However, addressing the value gap is only the first step in our campaign to ensure musicians are paid fairly for streaming.  Along with the Music Managers Forum (MMF), Featured Artist Coalition (FAC), British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA), and Music Producers Guild (MPG) we are calling for the whole streaming value chain to be assessed by the UK government.

The MU is also closely involved in the Fair Internet for Performers campaign through its association with the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) and this is picking up momentum as a result of various potential legislative developments at EU level.  We want equitable remuneration on streaming for performers to be paid through PPL in the same way as for radio broadcast.  This would be guaranteed money from streaming for all performers including session musicians who currently receive no royalties from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and others.
 
A petition for fair remuneration for performers is available for you to sign.
 

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Exterior of the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, where the Welsh National Opera is based.

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

Musicians' Union members in the orchestra of Welsh National Opera (WNO) are facing a reduction in working weeks, equating to a 15% pay cut as a result of a funding shortfall for the company.

Published: 28 March 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts
Young Black musician looking thoughtful while looking at a laptop in a recording studio.

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) turns 40 this year, and all musicians should be aware of how this pioneering charity could help them to prevent and overcome practice-related physical and mental health problems.

Published: 27 March 2024

Read more about Celebrating BAPAM at 40