"These guidelines provide important protections for those writing for the BBC — we want other organisations to follow and make similar commitments". Photo: Shutterstock.
The MU, along with the BBC, BBC Studios Music Publishing and The Ivors Academy have today published new commissioning guidelines for media composers.
The collectively agreed terms have been introduced in order to create more transparency around the BBC's commissioning process, and to help composers understand the terms and expectations involved. As well as covering key contractual elements such as rights and ownership, the guidelines also set out the pitching process, diversity commitments and the BBC's approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Helping composers to better understand the commissioning process
Composers often struggle when negotiating commissioning contracts, particularly when working across the sector with different commissioners offering different deals. Commissioning guidelines are therefore really valuable to composers, both in terms of understanding their role and responsibilities, and in navigating the negotiation process.
Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary said: “The BBC is the biggest employer and engager of music makers in the UK. We are delighted to publish these guidelines which will help composers to better understand the commissioning process and ensure they are treated consistently.
“The Ivors Academy and MU are working together to protect composers’, songwriters’ and musicians’ rights as Generative AI develops, and these guidelines provide important protections for those writing for the BBC — we want other organisations to follow and make similar commitments.
These guidelines show what we can achieve together
Lord Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy comments: “The BBC has a long history championing music. These guidelines show what we can achieve together to protect composers’ interests and ensure their contributions are properly valued. We call on commissioners across the industry to sign up to these standards and help create a future where composers are treated fairly.”
Nicky Bignell, BBC Head of Music Rights added: “We are proud to support standards that respect and value the creative work of composers, and we stand alongside The Ivors Academy and the Musicians' Union to ensure the artistic contributions of their members are protected”.