Federal Labor Shadow Arts Minister, Tony Burke has written to both commercial radio stations and streaming services today. He’s calling for additional support for Australian artists through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Yesterday, Tony Burke released a statement stating that our arts and entertainment industry is in trouble. He said the Morrison Government needs to come up with a plan before tens of thousands of people lose their livelihoods.
“But while we wait for the Government to act there are some things we can do to help now,” the statement reads.
“That’s why I am writing to the major music and TV streaming platforms, and to the commercial radio industry, urging them to support Australian creators through this crisis.
“If they all focus on playing and promoting Australian content through this crisis it could help keep our artists alive.
“I am writing to platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Stan and a number of commercial radio proprietors to ask them all to do their bit.”
He’s not just called on radio stations and streaming services though. He’s calling on the Australian public as well.
“If you’re spending more time at home because you’re sick or self-isolating, please: stream Australian music; watch Australian movies and TV shows; read Australian books.
“If you’re getting a refund on a performance of an Australian artist consider using some of that the money to buy some merch, direct from the artist’s website.
“And if you’ve got some spare cash, consider donating to an organisation like Support Act, which helps artists doing it tough.”
Kira Puru has also challenged commercial radio stations to up their Aussie content. To give you an idea, triple j are required to play 40 per cent Australian music. Commercial radio stations have a 25 per cent quota to fill.
A CHALLENGE to Australian radio stations to play mostly/exclusively Aussie artists to jack up our royalties while we wait for our gigs to pick up again! 1 small, literally free way to aid local artists?
Who’s in? @triplej ? @TripleMSydney ? @fbiradio ? @kiis1011 ? @DoubleJRadio
— Kira Puru (@kirapuru) March 17, 2020
