skip to main content

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

The team has administered its biggest ever distribution this month and have already paid out over £730k this year so far.

Published: 11 August 2022 | 2:08 PM
Hands touching sound mixing desk buttons.
This month, the R&B department has distributed £424k - this is one of the MU’s biggest ever distributions. Image credit: Shutterstock.

This month, the Recording & Broadcasting (R&B) department has distributed £424k to both members and non-members.

This is one of the MU’s biggest ever distributions, made up of BBC Dubbing (use of commercial music as background audio) and Video Performance Licensing with subsequent payments for use of promo videos. The R&B team also licenses performances of non-featured artists on commercial recordings, and therefore reguarly make monthly distributions regarding this too.

From January 2022, a total of £730k in royalty payments has so far been distributed by the team.

Get what you’re owed

If you’re aware of any commercial audio performance that you took part in as a session player, which is currently being used on tv, film or advertising and you have not received a royalty from the MU, please contact us at royalties@themu.org.

 

What to know more?

For more information on royalties distributed by the MU, including sources and administration of royalties and what to receive and when, visit our dedicated resource page below.

Read more about R&B royalties

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

Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers
Tom standing in front of the door to Lio London cabaret (formerly the Café de Paris), in October, 2024.

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Tom O’Connor, a talented drummer who performed in the West End, on multiple cruise ships and even at Queen Elizabeth’s garden party, passed away at the age of 89 in March 2026. He was a lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union for 68 years, having joined in 1958.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)
Diljeet, sat on stage with the panellists, speaking into a microphone.

Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026

At the 2026 Launchpad Conference in Leeds, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, led a candid panel with Northern artists exploring identity, representation and the experiences of Global Majority and marginalised musicians in the UK music industry.

Published: 08 April 2026

Read more about Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026