skip to main content

MU disappointed at BBC Trust findings

The Musicians’ Union has expressed disappointment at the BBC Trust’s conclusions from its service licence review of BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, Radio 3, 6 Music and Asian Network. In particular the MU is concerned about the proposal to drastically reduce the coverage of live music on Ra

Published: 20 March 2015 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM

In particular the MU is concerned about the proposal to drastically reduce the coverage of live music on Radio 1.

John Smith, MU General Secretary says:

“The MU is a massive supporter of the BBC and will robustly be making the case for a renewal of the charter and a realistic increase in the license fee to the next government.

“These findings from the BBC Trust, however, run the risk of compromising the unique coverage of live music events on the BBC. One of the main jewels in the BBC's crown is radio and the magnificent offer that the license fee payer gets because of the rich variety of musical genres presented on Radios 1, 2, 3, Asian Network and 6 Music.

“The proposal to reduce the number of live sessions on Radio 1 from 250 to 160 is very concerning and the BBC should remember the u-turn it was forced to make over 6 Music when it became clear how much the public valued that station. Without the BBC's commitment to live music the public would have virtually no opportunity to experience it on broadcast media and the MU believes that Radio 1 must remain distinct from the offer made by commercial broadcasters – namely by maintaining its coverage of live music.”

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

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

An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance