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Naomi Pohl

@naomipohl.bsky.social
67 followers 60 following 22 posts

General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union, representing 36,000+ All views expressed here are my own.

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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
“We want regulation from the government. We want copyright laws to be strengthened. And ideally we want our members to have new rights that relate to AI" MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to Left Foot Forward about AI, protecting jobs, and EU touring 🔗 ow.ly/P7eV50ZPbFq #WeAreTheMU
ow.ly
Andy Burnham ‘gets it’ on challenges facing musicians – interview with Musicians’ Union general secretary Naomi Pohl
Naomi Pohl spoke to LFF at TUC Congress
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
The National Union of Journalists @nujofficial.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
It's been a busy first two days for the NUJ delegation at the 2026 TUC Congress. Read our full report⬇ www.nuj.org.uk/resource/tuc...
nuj.org.uk
TUC Congress 2026: unions support call for tech tax
TUC Congress expressed strong support for the NUJ's call for a 6% windfall tax on tech giants to reinvigorate the news sector.
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Two MU motions being moved at @tuc.org.uk congress this year. One on music education & one on live music in theatres. We also have a delegate supporting a motion on AI later today. @wearethemu.bsky.social morningstaronline.co.uk/article/cong...
morningstaronline.co.uk
Congress should support a policy duet that harmonises with Labour’s perspectives
THE Musicians’ Union (MU) is moving two motions at this year’s TUC Congress, highlighting key issues of concern for its members.Both issues — the importance of live music in theatres and music educati...
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
At @tuc.org.uk this week, where @danielkebedeneu.bsky.social is moving a motion about the climate emergency & calling for maximum working temperatures. He spoke about the impact on school children in hot classrooms, teachers, firefighters & other workers @neunion.bsky.social
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Joe Dromey @joedromey.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
We hear from @chriswardmp.bsky.social about priorities for government. @stellacreasy.bsky.social makes the case for the Swiss model, and @liambyrnemp.bsky.social calls for an Economic Security Union. We also hear from @paulnowaktuc.bsky.social, @naomipohl.bsky.social, @craigbeaumont.bsky.social.
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
A great turn-out for the Musicians’ Union bloc at the Together March today. A super positive & hopeful event - all about unity and inclusion ❤️
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
On the day of the announcement, MU General Secretary @naomipohl.bsky.social was able to raise the issues that AI poses to musicians’ rights and work in a meeting with the Prime Minister The MU also coordinated a letter to the PM signed by all of the @labourunionsuk.bsky.social general secretaries
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
❗In Scotland, 83% of creative freelancers have experienced not being paid for their work Our Musicians’ Manifesto for Scotland sets out measures to help protect Scotland’s cultural assets 📣 Ask your MSP to support the manifesto 🔗 Use the template letter: theMU.org/MusiciansManifestoForScotland
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
I promised when I was elected that the MU would represent all members equally - wherever they’re based, whatever their background & however they make music. Our Members’ Assembly has been part of that change.
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The BBC is the biggest employer and engager of musicians in the UK and it plays a significant role in many creators careers and development. 🧵
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
On my way to speak to the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee on behalf of @wearethemu.bsky.social and with a busy touring artist, colleagues from @equityuk.bsky.social & the Association of British Orchestras. We’ll be talking about the barriers to touring in the EU & how to fix them
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Record payments to rightsholders from Spotify is positive, except that a big chunk of that goes to labels rather than musicians. We're campaigning to fix streaming so that all musicians get a fair and guaranteed royalty. Sign and share the petition to show your support! 🔗 bit.ly/FixStreaming
bit.ly
Change the law to fix music streaming
It's time to change the laws around streaming services so that musicians get their fair share! Join me in signing to Musicians' Union petition to fix streaming!
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
A heartwarming article celebrating classical music: ‘Watching musicians… I regularly witness the best of humanity, striving together to give the best of themselves for the benefit of others.’ Classical music brings us joy and meaning. In this time of doom & gloom www.theguardian.com/music/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Classical music brings us joy and meaning. In this time of doom and gloom, we need to talk about that | James Murphy
Why do we focus on the bad news stories about cuts and crises in classical music ? Musicians are doing incredible things to engage, support and sustain us; we should tell those stories too
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Government has announced a 5% funding uplift for arts organisations in England – part of a £1.5bn package to protect arts and culture venues 🧵👇
Background photo of Culture Minister Lisa Nandy and Musicians' Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl smiling to camera, with grey and yellow text “We are the M.U.” and “Behind every musician” behind them. In the lower half, black text with yellow highlight says “Government announces £1.5bn for arts & culture venues in England.” Below that, smaller white text says “It includes £80 million capital funding over four years for Arts Council England’s regularly funded organisations.” Underneath is a yellow line. Below that is the logo “M U Musicians’ Union” on the left and an arrow indicating more on the right.
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Labour Movement for Europe @labour4europe.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
"We've been really harmed by Brexit as an industry." –Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the Musicians' Union, speaking at our conference rally. @naomipohl.bsky.social @wearethemu.bsky.social
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
There’s money in music – but it’s not going to musicians Major corporations and big tech companies are making billions of pounds, while nearly half of musicians earn less than £14k a year
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
It's been a busy few days at #Lab25! We're calling on MPs to change the law to protect musicians from the impacts of music streaming and AI And we’re making sure touring in the EU stays on the agenda Thanks to everyone who’s stopped by the Musicians’ Union stand, including 👇
Bridget Phillipson holding a yellow and fuchsia electric guitar cutout that says “#WeAreTheMU” and “keep music live”. She’s smiling at the camera. Behind her is a black backdrop with “behind every musician” in curved yellow text above her head and more placards on touring in the E.U and fixing music streaming. To her right, a colourful t-shirt featuring a robot skull eating a mic and the text “big tech eats art” sits on a chair
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Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
MU General Secretary @naomipohl.bsky.social also joined Minister for EU Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds MP and Minister of State Chris Bryant MP to spotlight the barriers still faced by our members touring in the EU Thanks to @labour4europe.bsky.social for the invite ✊
Photo of a panel event. In the background to the left, a table of speakers and moderators including Nick Thomas-Symonds and Chris Bryant. Behind them is a window with a thin white curtain closed. In the foreground to the right, Musicians' Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl speaks at a metal podium with roller banners behind her that say "the Labour Movement for Europe"
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Labour Movement for Europe @labour4europe.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Coming to Liverpool for Labour Conference? Join us to talk about the road ahead for 🇬🇧 and 🇪🇺 Featuring: EU Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds LME Chair @stellacreasy.bsky.social @wearethemu.bsky.social/ @naomipohl.bsky.social @yuanfenyang.bsky.social MP Thomas Vaupel @pes.eu
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
“AI generated music will not only devalue MU members’ work, it could replace it” MU General Secretary @naomipohl.bsky.social seconded the composite motion on AI and the creative industries at @tuc.org.uk Conference 2025 ✅ Motion passed
Naomi standing on a stage and speaking at a podium. She is wearing a red dress. Behind her are two large screens and to the left of her is a top table.
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
At @wearethemu.bsky.social, we’re selfishly sorry that @chrisbryant1962.bsky.social has left the culture brief. Chris has been a great advocate for music & has driven forward work streams on key issues affecting musicians, like music streaming & EU touring. Thanks & good luck in your new role Chris!
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Read the union's full response:
bit.ly
Musicians' Union Reacts to Government and Record Labels’ Announcement
The Government and record labels, including the three major labels, have today announced a package of principles and commitments, which they say will better remunerate creators in the streaming era.
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Crucially, we've secured a meeting with Minister Chris Bryant and the record labels in September to discuss session musicians and what would constitute fair remuneration for them For now, share your thoughts on low/no royalties for music streaming and why you think it needs to change #FixStreaming
youtu.be
Why Streaming Sucks For Session Musicians | Musicians' Union
YouTube video by WeAreTheMU
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
❗ Breaking news on music streaming ❗ Over the last year or so, the MU has been taking part in Creator Remuneration Working Group meetings to get a fair deal for musicians and music creators from streaming 🧵
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Reposted by Naomi Pohl
Andy Warnock @andywarnock.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
This is something that @naomipohl.bsky.social and I discussed with the Cabinet Secretary for Education on Thursday and that I hope to continue working on with the culture and education teams. musiciansunion.org.uk/news/mu-welc...
musiciansunion.org.uk
MU Welcomes Cardiff Music School’s Decision to Remain Open and Urges More Support for Arts in Higher
Proposals to close the School of Music at Cardiff University won’t go ahead, but further work is needed on the detailed plans and culture across Wales.
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Another great speaker from @wearethemu.bsky.social supporting an @equityuk.bsky.social motion to #TUCDisabledWorkers Conference. Musician Llinos Owen highlighting the importance of PIP to support working disabled people. #TakingthePIP
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Loving the vibe at @tuc.org.uk Disabled Workers Conference. So mutually supportive, respectful & such passionate speeches. Here’s the @wearethemu.bsky.social delegation. (That’s half of me on the right.)
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
I’m at @tuc.org.uk Disabled Workers Conference today. @wearethemu.bsky.social member Fiona Branson addressed the Minister for Social Security & Disability about freelance workers, the arts & proposed cuts to PIP which will affect @wearethemu members who already face a pay gap & high costs of living.
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Pleased to be at the @ivorsacademy.bsky.social Summit today. A great range of speakers covering everything from AI and remuneration to mental health.
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
At the Great Escape Festival in Brighton today. Talking AI in music, streaming payments, touring issues & misogyny in music - among other things. Great to be representing @wearethemu.bsky.social as part of the Council of Music Makers
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
A great game of ping pong between House of Lords and the Commons over the Data Bill. There are some potential amendments to ensure AI firms have to say which copyright works they train models on. A first step to protecting & getting fair pay for artists. ✊ www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
House of Lords pushes back against government’s AI plans
Peers back amendment to data bill requiring AI companies to reveal which copyrighted material they have used
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Naomi Pohl @naomipohl.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
Always a privilege to attend the Olivier Awards with the fantastic BBC Concert Orchestra playing. So many talented people, new shows & revivals to celebrate - plus the speeches always get a bit political, which is awesome. 🎵Welsh National Opera got some love, recognising their current challenges ❤️
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