Commercial Radio Stations Updated: 16 May 2024 | 15:48 PM Rates Rates of pay and fees for recording session musicians from 2024 Studio session fees - 3 hours, (30 mins allowable recorded duration) Minimum Fee £90.00 Additional call time (per hour) £30.00 Additional performance time (per 30mins) £30.00 Overtime per 15min or part thereof (max 30mins) £30.00 Uplifts may be payable for additional rights (see main agreement) Recording for programmes that are not for full network broadcast may be paid at a discounted rate Additional fees Doubling/Trebling (per additional instrument) Plus 15% of all fees above Overdubbing (per overdub) Plus 110% of all fees above Online audio-visual broadcast (per 30mins) £45.00 Replays of public concerts Concert of up to 3 hours £90.00 Per additional 30mins of part thereof £15.00 Rights aquired One transmission on the commissioning radio station and communication to the public via on demand (catch-up) for a maximum period of one week after initial transmission. Further use by negotiation with the MU. Repeat broadcasts If paid at the time of engagement (per repeat) 35% of all fees excluding Porterage If paid at the time of repeat transmission (per repeat) 50% of all fees excluding Porterage As an alternative to the above repeat fees unlimited radio broadcasts of the performance (must be paid at the time of engagement) 125% of all fees excluding Porterage Signature tunes / station idents Signature Tune (2 years use in one programme series nominated at the time of engagement) 175% of all fees excluding Porterage Station Idents (2 years use on the station nominated at the time of engagement) 250% of all fees excluding Porterage Concessionary rates One Regional broadcast area (as defined by Ofcom) 75% of above fees One Local Radio Station (as defined by Ofcom) 70% of above fees Commercial audio release By negotiation with the MU. Unsocial hours Between midnight and 8:00 am and/or public holidays (bank holidays + other declared holidays) Double time Porterage rates Chimes, Drums, Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone £25.00 Electric Accordion, Electric Guitar, Bass Saxophone, Tuba, Double Bass £20.00 Contra Bassoon, Glockenspiel, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet plus 1 other instrument, Trombone plus 1 other brass instrument or collection of mutes, French Horn plus 1 other brass instrument, 2 Saxophones, Cello £15.00 Harp, Timpani, Organ Negotiable Commercial Radio Rates (0.09 MB) Commercial Radio Session Contract (0.26 MB)
Royalty Distribution for Recordings The MU Royalties department collects between £1.5 million to £2 million a year for musicians for the secondary and further use of recordings. Read more about Royalty Distribution for Recordings
Collective Bargaining The MU negotiates collective bargaining agreements with broadcasters and umbrella organisations for other regular employers of session musicians. Read more about Collective Bargaining
Maximised Pay for Recording Musicians Our aim is to maximise the pay and employment of UK session musicians, and to collect every secondary use fee they are due. Read more about Maximised Pay for Recording Musicians
Contract Advisory Service If you're a member, the MU can help you make sure the contract you sign is fair and includes all necessary clauses. Read more about Contract Advisory Service
Unpaid Fee Recovery We can help when you haven't been paid properly for your work. Read more about Unpaid Fee Recovery
Personal Injury Claims Legal benefits package for you and your family via Morrish Solicitors. Read more about Personal Injury Claims