For too long, record labels, streaming platforms and other internet giants have exploited musicians and songwriters without rewarding them fairly.
We must put the value of music back where it belongs – in the hands of music makers.
Streaming is quickly replacing radio as our main means of music listening. But the law has not kept up with the pace of technological change. As a result, performers and songwriters are not paid fairly when their music is streamed.
To put this right we call on the UK Government to:
- Change two words in the 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act; this will modernise the law so that today’s performers receive a fair share of streaming revenue, just like they enjoy in radio.
- Make an immediate government referral to the Competition and Markets Authority as the first step to addressing the extraordinary power wielded by multinational corporations at the expense of songwriters. This market domination has led to songwriters receiving only a15% share of streaming revenue as opposed to a 50% share in income from radio.
- Put in place a regulator to ensure the lawful and fair treatment of all music makers by the industry.
We also call on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to meet urgently with representatives of musicians and songwriters to discuss the current unfair practices and how we can put it right.
Fixing these problems will make the UK the best place in the world to be a musician or a songwriter.
It’s time to #FixStreaming and keep music alive.