Please help us make the case for sustainable BBC funding by filling in the online public consultation form or by using the MU’s template email. Photo: Shutterstock.
The MU joined other entertainment trade unions in Parliament on Tuesday to discuss the BBC Green Paper, which is a UK government consultative document outlining proposed changes to the BBC's Royal Charter.
MU General Secretary addresses MPs and Peers
MU General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, addressed MPs and Peers at a meeting about the BBC, telling them how vital a properly funded BBC is to our members.
The session, run by the BEAU (Broadcasting, Entertainment and Arts Unions) All-Party Parliamentary Group, also heard contributions from Philippa Childs (Head of Bectu), Paul Fleming (General Secretary of Equity), Laura Davison (General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists) and Lesley Gannon (Deputy General Secretary of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain).
The BBC is the UK’s largest employer of musicians
During the session, Naomi Pohl said: “The BBC is the UK’s largest employer of musicians, and the employed ensembles contribute significantly to broadcasts and support the public purposes of the BBC’s Royal Charter by taking orchestral music into schools and across the UK. Scores commissioned for BBC TV productions support the livelihoods of composers, conductors, engineers and session musicians around the country.
“BBC radio is unrivalled, as is BBC Introducing in terms of developing talent. Excellence can be seen across the board – from the Proms, which is attracting new audiences to classical music, to Glastonbury, which was watched last year by more viewers than ever.
“The BBC needs to lead the way in terms of best practice terms and conditions for the musicians it engages, and in ensuring that its AI policies do not undermine creative workers. The Charter renewal process must engage with trade unions who represent the workforce, both employed and freelance.
“We also must move away from the BBC having to make more cuts year on year because its funding is decreasing. We want to see the BBC doing more, not less.”
Calls for sustainable BBC funding were echoed by all trade union General Secretaries present.
Support from attending parliamentarians
MPs and Peers in the room agreed to write a letter to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, supporting the trade union arguments. Parliamentarians who attended the meeting included:
- Claire Hanna, SDLP MP and BEAU APPG Chair
- Rachel Maskell, Labour MP
- Kevin Brennan, Labour Peer
- John McDonnell, Labour MP
- Rebecca Long-Bailey, Labour MP
- Dinah Caine, Labour Peer
- Earl of Clancarty
- Grahame Morris, Labour MP
- Rupa Huq, Labour MP.
Have your say
Did you know, apart from the BBC being the UK’s largest employer of musicians, 31 million people listen to its live radio output each week and 94% of UK adults use its services on average per month (figures: BBC Annual Report 2024/25).
Please help us make the case for sustainable BBC funding by filling in the online public consultation form or by using the MU’s template email below.