CMU Digest

CMU Digest 13.07.20: COVID-19, Lady A, Global, YouTube, Youth Music

By | Published on Monday 13 July 2020

COVID-19

The key stories from the last week in the music business…

The UK music industry welcomed various government announcements relating to the COVID-19 shutdown, but concerns remain. A £1.57 billion sector-specific fund to support the creative industries was launched, a VAT cut on tickets was announced, and the go-ahead was given for outdoor events in England to return. But it’s unclear how that £1.57 billion will be distributed and how much the music community will benefit. Meanwhile fears remain that general COVID support schemes will be phased out before the live music industry is properly up and running again. [READ MORE]

The band formerly known as Lady Antebellum sued their new namesake Lady A. The band dropped the ‘Antebellum’ bit of their name because of the word’s association with slavery, but it then transpired there was another singer already performing as Lady A. It was hoped a deal could be done allowing both Lady As to co-exist, but talks seemingly fell apart. Lady A the band say that, while Lady A the singer has been using the name for longer, they have used it as an alternative for ten years and own various trademarks for the brand. They don’t want to stop the other Lady A from using the name, but don’t want to have to pay her compensation for the clash. [READ MORE]

UK radio firm Global confirmed that job cuts would be necessary as it continues to weather the COVID-19 storm. Most commercial radio stations have seen listening figures go up during the COVID shutdown, but ad income has slumped. In a memo to staff, bosses at Global Radio said that some downsizing would now be necessary to deal with challenges created by the pandemic. It’s thought most of that downsizing will affect behind the scenes rather than on-air staff. [READ MORE]

The EU courts ruled that YouTube is not obliged to share the IP or email addresses of its users with copyright owners. The ruling came in a German case where a movie company has been trying to get the contact information of YouTube users who uploaded films it controls. European law obliges internet firms to share user “addresses” in that scenario, but the court says that only means a postal address. However, EU judges said that – although European law doesn’t oblige member state courts to force internet companies to share more information about its users with copyright owners – it doesn’t stop them from issuing such orders either. [READ MORE]

Music charity Youth Music published a report on the barriers that prevent many young people from pursuing a career in music. It concluded that different groups are disadvantaged in different ways, with access – or not – to networking opportunities, mentors and paid internships often key factors that impact on whether or not a music industry career is viable. Proximity to London is also a factor. The charity also launched a new fund encouraging music companies and organisations to provide compelling entry-level opportunities for young people. [READ MORE]



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