More focus is still needed on ensuring creators and performers
receive a fairer cut of the money made from streaming music, MPs
say today, in a report calling for the establishment of a
wide-ranging national strategy for music.
The DCMS Committee’s recommendations follow an examination of the
progress made since an initial report in July
2021, which called for artists to be given a legal right to a
more equal share of revenues as part of a ‘complete reset’ of the
streaming market. As part of its review the Committee held
an evidence session in
November with policy experts and industry figures.
While welcoming the advances made by the
Government, including the involvement of stakeholders through
the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and the undertaking of
further research, the Committee’s report highlights frustrations
with the lack of discussion on core issues such as artists’ pay.
The report calls for the establishment of working groups on
remuneration and performer rights, alongside more transparency
for the groups already set up and greater departmental and
ministerial involvement.
The Committee also warns the current approach to cultural policy
making is too scatter-gun to be effective. The Government should
take a more proactive strategic role and develop a national
strategy for music which includes an assessment of the impact of
digital technology on musicians, songwriters and composers, and
on the music industry’s potential for growth.
MP, Acting Chair of the DCMS
Committee, said:
“Over the last 18 months the Government has made some welcome
moves towards restoring a proper balance in the music industry,
but there is still much more to do to ensure the talent behind
the music is properly rewarded. As the Committee heard, there is
still frustration about the returns for the vast majority of
musicians and songwriters. Too many of them receive pitiful
returns despite making successful music. The main players need to
get together to remedy this in a sustainable way.
The world of music streaming is highly susceptible to changes in
digital technology and the Government needs to make sure it is
ahead of the game by taking a more strategic role in coordinating
policy across departments. The Government described our initial
report as a ‘key moment for the music industry’. It now needs to
make sure it follows through on the work done so far to fix the
fundamental flaws in the market. British music is a huge national
asset and is loved around the world. British musicians and
songwriters need to share in this success.”
