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Music Streaming Transparency Code Announced by Government

The Musicians' Union is one of 12 signatories to the Code of Good Practice on Transparency in Music Streaming. 

Published: 31 January 2024 | 5:44 PM
A pair of headphones and mobile phone streaming music on a wooden table.
"Equitable remuneration from music streaming is our priority and is fundamental if the Government is serious about fixing streaming". Image credit: Shutterstock.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has published a UK Code of Practice on Transparency in Music Streaming.

The Code is part of the Government's commitments in response to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s Inquiry into Music Streaming - a milestone moment in the Fix Streaming campaign.

The voluntary Code was developed and agreed by 12 music industry bodies representing music creators, record labels, publishers, digital service providers, distributors and collecting societies.

The IPO will have oversight of the Code and its implementation and will convene meetings of signatory organisations every six months to consider how the Code is working. There will be a formal review of the Code in 2026. 

Equitable remuneration is the priority

Musicians' Union Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear said: It is encouraging to see progress on Government commitments following the revolutionary music streaming inquiry report, although it will take time to know if and how well the Code is working for our members.

In the meantime, we are still waiting for the terms of reference for the working group looking at musicians and music creators' earnings from music streaming.

Equitable remuneration from music streaming is our priority and is fundamental if the Government is serious about fixing streaming.”

The signatories to the Code are:

  • Association of Independent Music (AIM) 
  • British Phonographic Industry (BPI) 
  • The Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA)  
  • Featured Artists Coalition (The FAC) 
  • Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) 
  • The Ivors Academy 
  • Music Managers Forum (MMF) 
  • Music Producers Guild (MPG) 
  • Music Publishers Association (MPA) 
  • Musicians’ Union (MU) 
  • Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) 
  • PRS for Music 

 

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