Music advocacy group Black Lives In Music sets sights on lasting reforms following the release of a government report on licensing practices
In a groundbreaking investigative study, the REMEL (Race Equality In Music Events Licensing) report sheds light on the disproportionate impact of existing music licensing policies on Black and global majority communities, particularly those involved in live music and the night-time economy [1][2].
The report, commissioned by Black Lives In Music (BLIM), exposes issues such as racial profiling, over-policing, and systemic barriers that limit access and opportunity for underrepresented artists, promoters, and venue owners in the UK music industry.
Charisse Beaumont, CEO of BLIM and a key contributor to the REMEL report, expressed her pleasure at being part of the Licensing Sprint Taskforce and feeding into the government's new strategy [3]. The report's findings, including evidence of racial profiling and systemic barriers, were shared with ministers, influencing new licensing reforms under the government’s Small Business Plan [1].
The reforms aim to cut red tape and modernize licensing processes, promoting a fairer, more inclusive system. The goal is to rebalance the licensing framework to remove obstacles that historically excluded Black and other marginalized creatives, fostering equitable access and sustainable opportunities in the music sector [1].
The REMEL report, due for publication later this year, also reflects on the impact of existing policies on Black and global majority communities. Some of these findings are reflected in aspects of the Licensing Sprint Taskforce report [4].
The government's new licensing proposals, seen as the foundation for deeper and long-lasting change, will directly impact the music business [5]. Charisse Beaumont welcomed the government's recognition that licensing needs to evolve, expressing gratitude to various contributors in the Licensing Sprint Taskforce [6].
Beaumont believes that the talent, energy, and creativity in communities need access to bring about deeper and long-lasting change. She sees the proposals as a significant step towards dismantling racial profiling and systemic barriers in music licensing, ensuring that diverse communities shaping British music culture can fully participate and thrive [1][2].
For more insights, an interview with Charisse Beaumont and BLIM co-founder Roger Wilson is available for subscribers [7]. The REMEL report, by BLIM, serves as evidence-based advocacy to dismantle racial profiling and systemic barriers in music licensing.
The REMEL report, a significant piece of evidence-based advocacy from Black Lives In Music (BLIM), not only addresses racial profiling and systemic barriers in the music industry, but also sheds light on the potential impact of such policies on other sectors. For instance, these findings might be relevant to discussions around lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and travel industries, which, like live music and the night-time economy, could benefit from a fairer, more inclusive system.
As the government's new licensing reforms aim to modernize processes and remove obstacles that historically excluded underrepresented communities, these changes could pave the way for more equitable access and sustainable opportunities not only in the music sector but also in other creative industries. This could encourage a diverse range of talents, energies, and creativity across various fields to flourish, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive society.
