Aus Radio Stations & Streamers Urged To Play More Local Music Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Pressure is being placed on Australian radio stations and streaming services to support local artists more amid the COVID-19 crisis.

With artists across the country calling for support, Shadow Minister for the Arts Tony Burke has written directly to Spotify, Apple Music, Stan, various commercial radio stations and more, stating “we need to act quickly in order to make sure the Australian music industry survives this”.

“Australia’s arts and entertainment industry is on the brink of collapse and needs all the help it can get,” Burke said in a separate statement.

“The Morrison Government has to come up with a plan. If they don’t do something soon tens of thousands of people will lose their livelihoods. It’s not just artists and performers – it’s everyone who works behind the scenes to put on live entertainment, from technicians and roadies to security guards and stall workers. But while we wait for the Government to act there are some things we can do to help now.”

Burke also noted, “there are things all Australians can do too."

“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,” he said.

“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.

“Australian artists enrich our lives and our nation. Whenever Australia faces a crisis, they’ve got our back – performing benefit concerts, raising money and lifting our spirits. Now, we need to have their back.”

Earlier this week, Kira Puru challenged Australian radio stations to play “mostly/exclusively” local artists to “jack up our royalties while we wait for our gigs to pick up again”, a move backed by the likes of Nicole Millar, L-FRESH The LION and more.

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

For more information about how COVID-19 is impacting the music industry, follow the link here.