The BBC and MU Agreement: What You Need to Know
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the Musicians Union (MU) have a long-standing agreement that governs the use of music by the BBC. The agreement regulates the way BBC uses music in its broadcasts, ensuring that musicians and composers are fairly compensated for their work.
Here are the things you need to know about this agreement:
1. The agreement covers all BBC channels and services
The BBC and MU agreement covers all BBC channels and services, including BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, and BBC iPlayer.
This means that any music used by the BBC in their broadcasts is covered by the agreement. In other words, the agreement guarantees that musicians and composers receive payment for their work whenever the BBC uses it.
2. The agreement ensures fair payment for musicians and composers
The BBC and MU agreement guarantees that musicians and composers are fairly compensated for their work. The agreement sets out the rates of pay for different uses of music by the BBC, such as for broadcast, online streaming, and on-demand services.
The rates of pay are determined based on factors such as the length of the music used, the type of use (e.g., background music or theme tune), and the size of the audience. The agreement also includes provisions for payments to be made for repeat broadcasts and overseas use.
3. The agreement includes provisions for new media
The BBC and MU agreement also includes provisions for the use of music in new media, such as podcasts, online videos, and social media. The agreement stipulates that musicians and composers must be paid for their work whenever it is used in any form of new media.
This is important because new media is becoming an increasingly important part of the BBC`s output. The agreement ensures that musicians and composers are not left out of this important revenue stream.
4. The agreement is regularly reviewed
The BBC and MU agreement is regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains fair and up-to-date. The most recent review was conducted in 2019, and the agreement was updated to include provisions for new media and to reflect changes in the music industry.
The agreement is also reviewed to ensure that the rates of pay remain competitive and that they reflect the value of the music used by the BBC.
In conclusion, the BBC and MU agreement is an important document that ensures that musicians and composers are fairly compensated for their work whenever it is used by the BBC. The agreement covers all BBC channels and services and includes provisions for new media. It is regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains fair and up-to-date.
