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UK Government Launches Plans To Investigate Fair Pay For Artists
Christian Eede , June 5th, 2023 13:08

A working group, which will include experts from across the music industry, will look into streaming royalties and other issues

The UK Government has made moves to establish a working group to investigate issues surrounding fair pay for artists.

Such a move was recommended by the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee in a report earlier this year, with the group set to include experts from across the music industry. One of the most pressing matters of investigation is said to be a look into how artists are paid by streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, who chairs the CMS Committee said: "The creation of a working group we have been calling for is a welcome step towards addressing the frustrations of musicians and songwriters whose pay falls far short of a fair level given their central role in the success of the music streaming industry."

She continued: "The Government must now make sure the group is more than a talking shop and leads to concrete change so the talented creators and performers we have in this country are properly rewarded for their creativity. The Committee will be keeping a close eye on progress and also looking more widely at artist and creator remuneration to ensure everyone who works in our creative industries can share in its successes."

In 2021, a UK parliamentary inquiry into music streaming concluded that the current system needed a "complete reset" to ensure that artists are more fairly paid. The report also suggested that record labels should split streaming royalties with artists 50/50.