This month ’ s catch up …
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Dorries threatens to scrap BBC license fee
In a move that could have serious implications for the music industry , culture secretary Nadine Dorries said the BBC license fee is to be frozen for the next two years before potentially being replaced by a new funding model in 2027 , when the Royal Charter is due to be renewed .
Dorries said , “ This licence fee announcement will be the last . The days of the elderly being threatened with prison sentences and bailiffs knocking
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on doors , are over . Time now to discuss and debate new ways of funding , supporting and selling great British content .”
The announcement has sparked concern across the music industry , not least in terms of what the ending of the fee would mean for BBC platforms that support grassroots talent , including Radio 6 Music and BBC Introducing , but also the broadcasting of festivals such as Glastonbury .
Glastonbury commercial director Robert Richards dies aged 65
Glastonbury Festival commercial director Robert Richards died on 12 January at Guy ’ s Hospital , London , after a short illness
Richards , born in 1956 , worked at Glastonbury for more than 30 years and was responsible for large commercial deals and sponsorship . In a statement , Glastonbury co-creator Michael Eavis said , “ His first job was setting up the information and CND campaigning stalls and he was the producer of Julien Temple ’ s Glastonbury film in 2006 .
“ In recent years , Robert has been responsible for partnerships , large commercial deals and sponsorship , and he helped secure the license for the festival to continue in 2014 .
“ I am personally very sad and upset to lose this remarkable man who I will find difficult to replace . Now that the fever of life and his days are over , may God give his soul the rest it deserves .”
Industry reacts to Government ’ s Protect Duty anti-terrorism proposals
The Government ’ s announcement that it plans to introduce legislation to mandate the inclusion of anti-terrorism measures at all UK venues with a capacity of more than 100 has been welcomed by arena operators , but there remains concern about its impact on small independent venues .
On 10 January , it published the results of its 18-week consultation into the proposed Protect Duty legislation . Some 2,755 responses were received , the majority supporting the Government ’ s proposals to introduce stronger measures .
The Martyn ’ s Law campaign , which was established by Figen Murray following the loss of her son , Martyn , in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 , is among the groups calling for new antiterrorism legislation .
Home secretary Priti Patel said the Government is committed to bringing forward legislation this year that will “ strike the right balance between public safety , whilst not placing excessive burden on small businesses ”.
National Arenas Association chair , and Royal Albert Hall artistic director , Lucy Noble welcomed the move : “ We have long taken responsibility for security of our own premises and agree with the Protect Duty recommendation that this should be standard across the sector .”
AEG Europe chief operating officer John Langford – who oversees the company ’ s many arenas across the region , including London ’ s 20,000-capacity The O2 arena , said he would welcome new legislation : “[ AEG ’ s ] assets have been well protected for many years . While , obviously , I am unable to go into the details of what that involves , the Protect Duty review has given us another opportunity to further review everything we do and that can only be a good thing .”
Greg Parmley , CEO of live music industry umbrella group LIVE , emphasised the importance of taking into account the needs of smaller venues : “ Protecting staff and customers is critical , which is why we want to work with Government so that any changes in law are realistic about the limitations of the sector to provide some of the requirements . There are particular challenges for smaller venues and business who will require support to ensure they are able to implement the measures .”
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