News & Stories for Musicians

The BBC Symphony Orchestra onstage at th BBC Proms. A huge crowd watches in a lit up room.

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

As the BBC Charter comes up for renewal, the MU is urging members to respond to the consultation and support the vital role the BBC plays in sustaining jobs, commissioning new work and underpinning the UK’s music industry. Use our template email to have your say before 10 March.

Published: 19 February 2026

Jacob Collier performing at the launch event.

BBC Launches Get Singing — a New Nationwide Music Education Initiative

MU members who lead singing with 11–14-year-olds are encouraged to investigate a new range of resources on the BBC Bitesize website, with more content to be added over the next three years.

Published: 27 January 2026

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

A close-up of the BBC Scotland building in Glasgow.

BBC Radio Scotland Axes Four Longstanding Music Shows

Four of Scotland's best-known radio shows are due to be dropped by the end of the year and replaced with a new 'easy listening' programme for more mainstream appeal. Sign the petition to help reverse the decision and protect the future of music in Scotland.

Published: 17 November 2025

Lisa and Naomi on the MU's stand at Labour Party Conference in 2024, they are against a black and yellow backdrop that says 'We are the MU' and 'We are Union strong'.

MU General Secretary Meets Culture Secretary to Discuss Arts Funding and AI

Naomi Pohl discussed the challenges facing musicians, including the impact of AI, funding shortfalls, and industry standards.

Published: 06 November 2025

Professional singers rehearsing on stage holding sheet music.

The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers

These new appointments mark a significant step in strengthening support for both BBC Singers and freelance choral musicians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

Published: 25 September 2025

Musicians playing string instruments as part of BBC Symphony Orchestra.

BBC Performing Groups Become First Regional Contract Orchestras to Achieve Tutti Salary of Over £40k

Following the acceptance of a recent pay offer, the BBC Performing Groups will be the first regional contract orchestras to achieve a Tutti salary of over £40k.

Published: 11 August 2025

Close up of news microphone and computer screen as a recording set up.

BBC News Explores Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Musicians and Creative Workers

Following the release of a silent protest album, the MU spoke to BBC News about the impact of AI on our members.

Published: 10 March 2025

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in the evening.

MU Meets With Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for Industry Update

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met with Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, to discuss a range of topics including our fix streaming campaign, the need for protection of creators’ rights in relation to AI, and more.

Published: 30 January 2025

Dark blue background with stars, with a banner reading #keepstrictlylive.

MU Takes on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing to Fight Against Cuts to Popular Live Band

We are calling on musicians and Strictly fans to share their support for a fully live Strictly band using the hashtag #KeepStrictlyLive.

Published: 15 August 2024

BBC Singers and Orchestras Update

A joint update from the BBC and Musicians' Union on the future of the BBC Singers and orchestras.

Published: 15 February 2024

Musicians’ Union Strike Action at English National Opera Makes Headlines in BBC News, Guardian, Telegraph and More

Did you see the news? On 17 January, the Musicians’ Union announced the first strike by members for 44 years.

Published: 23 January 2024

Naomi Pohl at this year's Labour Conference holding a large red sign saying 'There is power in a union'.

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Labour's National Policy Forum document sets out major improvements for musicians thanks to lobbying by the Musicians' Union.

Published: 10 October 2023

Naomi Pohl and the UK Music Delegation outside 10 Downing Street this week to discuss the impact of AI on the music industry.

MU General Secretary Summer Update

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at your rights and AI, developments in the Fix Streaming campaign, and how we’re negotiating the best rates for members.

Published: 07 September 2023

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened MU Delegate Conference with a look at how work has changed in the last two years, and how the union is tackling the big challenges facing musicians.

Published: 02 August 2023

Across a long room full of delegates sat at tables, we see Naomi presenting to the group, speaking into a microphone

Read the MU General Secretary Speech From 2023’s Delegate Conference

In her opening speech at this year’s MU Delegate Conference, General Secretary Naomi Pohl describes how the Union is making progress in negotiations, campaigning and lobbying – and how we are improving what we do for members all the time. Read her full speech below.

Published: 25 July 2023

Outside of BBC headquarters building London.

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

The MU believes the BBC is signalling a reset of the consultation process and the union will enter talks with them on the basis that discussion will focus on alternatives to the job cuts.

Published: 13 April 2023

MU Responds to Leaked Documents on Future of BBC Performing Groups

The Musicians’ Union responds to leaked documents about the BBC Performing Groups published by classical music blog Slipped Disc.

Published: 04 April 2023

External shot of the BBC head office in London.

Take Action to Stop Job Cuts at BBC Orchestras and Protect the BBC Singers After September

The BBC’s u-turn on the BBC Singers is positive news. However, their future and 43 jobs in the BBC Concert, Philharmonic and Symphony orchestras are still at risk.

Published: 03 April 2023

Naomi Pohl and Jack Apperley holding the Singers petition outside of the BBC offices.

BBC Singers Petition Delivered to BBC Director General Tim Davie

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and conductor Jack Apperley have delivered a copy of the Save the BBC Singers petition to BBC Director General Tim Davie.

Published: 28 March 2023

Plans to Axe BBC Singers Threaten Future of Freelancers and Young Singers Across the UK

Mezzo Lorna Price explains what BBC proposals to axe BBC Singers means for hundreds of freelancers and in particular, young musicians starting their careers.

Published: 23 March 2023

The BBC Singers in Their Own Words

BBC Singers explain who they are, what they do, and why the UK’s only full-time professional choir is crucial to the future of classical music.

Published: 20 March 2023

BBC Maida Vale studios- a historical and iconic music recording studios in West London.

Petition to Save the BBC Singers Reaches 120,000 Signatures

Since the BBC announced cuts to its employed Performing Groups last Tuesday, significant public and industry support has been expressed for the BBC Singers and the three affected BBC orchestras: the BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Philharmonic.

Published: 16 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers performing in a concert

Musicians and Supporters Rally Behind BBC Singers and Orchestras Facing Job Cuts

Musicians and supporters are rallying behind BBC Singers and Orchestras affected by proposed job cuts – taking action, sharing on social media, and keeping the issue in the press.

Published: 10 March 2023

Members of the BBC Singers gather at Madia Vale

MU Representing and Supporting BBC Singers and Orchestras Members Affected by Job Cuts Proposals

The MU is working closely with BBC Singers and Orchestras facing job cuts – here's what the union is doing and how you can show your support.

Published: 10 March 2023

The BBC Symphony Orchestra performs on a lit up stage at the last night of the BBC Proms festival of classical music at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

MU Fighting Job Cuts to BBC Singers and Orchestras: Email Your MP for Support

The MU is in urgent talks with the BBC to save musicians’ jobs following the corporation’s proposals to cut employed posts across BBC Singers and three orchestras.

Published: 07 March 2023

MU Signs Letter to Cabinet Secretary Over Music Cuts at BBC Radio Scotland

The MU has signed a joint letter to intervene over BBC Radio Scotland’s plans to axe some key music programmes.

Published: 12 January 2023

A policeman with hands behind his back in front of 10 Downing Street in London.

MU Reacts to Prime Minister’s Resignation

Further to the news that Boris Johnson has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party and UK Prime Minister, the MU reflects on what musicians need from the Government now.

Published: 08 July 2022

A music stand is empty against a brightly lit background

Major UK Broadcasters Back Calls for an ISA to Tackle Bullying and Harassment

ITV, Sky, BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 become the first UK broadcasters to back the next stage of Creative UK and UK Time’s Up proposal for an Independent Standards Authority to strengthen efforts to tackle bullying and harassment.

Published: 22 June 2022

A small red vintage style television on a light wood surface with a pale beige painted background

Channel 4 Ain’t Broke Initiative Launches with Call for Action

Campaigning organisation We Own It have launched a campaign to protect Channel 4 from privatisation, following Nadine Dorries’ recent announcement of plans to privatise the channel.

Published: 14 June 2022

BBC Publishes Report Emphasising Importance of the BBC’s Orchestras

The BBC’s Classical Music Review emphasises the importance of the BBC's orchestras and its crucial role in the wider classical music ecology, as well as introducing a new Head of Orchestras and Choirs position.

Published: 24 May 2022

Collection of 6 retro style microphones on a desk with a sky blue back drop.

MU Speaks to M Magazine Ahead of Proposed Channel 4 Privatisation

The MU’s Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear spoke to PRS’ M magazine about concerns for future payments and changing working practices.

Published: 13 May 2022

Three young musicians performing on a stage at BBC Introducing, synth, keyboard and microphones are present.

Defending the BBC

Musicians’ Union General Secretary Elect Naomi Pohl looks at the challenges facing the BBC, and why union members must come together to fight for our public broadcaster’s future once again.

Published: 14 March 2022

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

The two-year license fee freeze is likely to harm job opportunities for musicians as The BBC is the single biggest employer of MU members in the UK.

Published: 19 January 2022

Photograph of Keir Starmer speaking at the Labour Conference, against a

MU EC Member Speaks to BBC News Following Keir Starmer’s Commitment to Music Education

MU Executive Committee member Andi Hopgood spoke to BBC News following Keir Starmer’s speech at the Labour Party Conference, explaining how “it’s important to think of the education of our young people as a holistic thing.”

Published: 05 October 2021

Photograph of the BBC Portland Place building, a large grey building with art decco features. The sky above is a bright blue.

MU Broadly Welcomes BBC Initiative While Highlighting Importance of Future Work for Musicians

The MU responded today to the announcement by the BBC that the corporation is set to move a selection of its key departments and staff away from London with the aim of making it more inclusive of the entire UK.

Published: 18 March 2021

BBC of Exceptional Value to Public During Crisis

We responded to a Select Committee inquiry into the future of public broadcasting, explaining why the BBC is essential to making sure that arts and culture and available to everyone.

Published: 12 June 2020

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