Tom highlighted on the panel two key areas of work for UK Music as it engages with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government to ensure the £8 billion economic contribution of the music industry continues to grow.
Firstly, he told delegates why now is the right time to get behind UK Music’s campaign Our BBC: Our Music. The BBC has a crucial relationship with the music industry. 77% of music played on BBC radio never gets heard on commercial equivalents, while initiatives like BBC Introducing support the talent pipeline.
The BBC is one of the largest employers and engagers of musicians and is a commissioner of new music, particularly of classical works. However, at a time of charter renewal when there is much scrutiny on the operations of the BBC and at a time of funding cuts, the industry needs to talk up the positive relationship between the BBC and music.
Secondly, Tom talked about UK Music’s recent work on devolution and its “Madchesterism” series of events at political party conferences to understand how the music industry can benefit from a greater devolution settlement. The Government devolved culture as a potential competency to strategic authorities earlier in the year, and as ministers plan further radical plans to bring growth in every postcode it’s vital that sufficient resource is put in place for local music industries to build on the good work they are already doing and make the most of this opportunity.
Do edit as you feel fits. Do also bear in mind that Oli’s OMG events last night were part of Un-Convention. I assume he has already been in touch with you about this, but wouldn’t want my panel this morning to overshadow that work too.