"The failure of the government to act threatens our world leading position". Image credit: Lucy Powell Official Portrait for UK Parliament, licensed by Creative Commons.
Writing on Twitter, Powell said: “Our UK music sector is a key part of our global success, yet music creators aren't seeing a fair share of the benefits.
“Our creative industries can help power growth in the economy, but the failure of the government to act threatens our world leading position,” she added.
“The long term future for UK music depends on a better deal for musicians from streaming. The CMA and Ministers must do more to give creators security and act if the industry fails to do so,” said Powell in a follow up post.
Powell’s comments come after the Competition and Markets Authority announced it would not be launching a full market investigation into music streaming. Union members are encouraged to look out for further information, including actions and next steps for the Fix Streaming campaign, in the next few days.
DCMS’ Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation also asked for MU members’ views on the impact of streaming services’ algorithmic recommendations.
Protecting the diversity of UK music
Shadow Minister Lucy Powell’s comments echo MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, who said: “In the long term, this could diminish the diversity of UK music available to consumers as musicians are forced to seek other ways to make a living.
“We had particularly hoped that the CMA would deliver for songwriters who are currently receiving a small share of streaming revenue.”
Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Music, DCMS Select Committee and MU member Kevin Brennan MP also called for leadership from the labels on this issue.
Fix Streaming in the press
BBC News, The Times, Independent and Evening Standard all covered The MU and The Ivors Academy reaction to the CMA decision.
The Union’s statement was also included in industry trades Record of the Day and Music Ally.
Take a look at more media highlights since the campaign’s launch in 2020 in the Union’s Fix Streaming hub – including the letter signed by more than 220 of the UK’s biggest artists, and a special episode of podcast Reasons to be Cheerful with Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd.
More reaction to the CMA update