UMG’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re providing support in a variety of ways globally to employees, artists, songwriters and the broader music community, including:
Expanded All Together Now Philanthropic Program
We expanded our longstanding philanthropic program to support those in the music community most deeply impacted by the virus. Through our “All Together Now: Stay Connected,” UMG has provided: 1) direct financial support to organizations such as MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief Fund and Help Musicians UK to provide relief to affected music workers; and 2) matching contributions for U.S. employee donations to qualifying charities. We also launched the “UMG All Together Now Foundation” to harness the collective power of our passionate community of music-lovers – ranging from employees to artists to fans – to support and partner with organizations around the globe that are working towards meaningful positive change.
Assisting Artists, Songwriters and Independent Labels in Challenging Times
Our companies – including our labels, Universal Music Publishing Group, Universal Music Enterprises, Bravado, and our independent distribution services – offered qualifying artists, songwriters and independent labels affected by COVID-19 various forms of financial assistance to help them weather the challenging times.
UMG Artists & Songwriters Helping Those In Need
In addition, UMG’s artists and songwriters give their time, energy and resources to help those affected by the pandemic, including financial support to a range of organizations. And whether it’s a special performance, a new song, a helpful message or something else, UMG backs numerous of our artists’ and songwriters’ initiatives to help those in need. You can find the growing list of artists and their initiatives here.
Providing Artists Tools to Reach Fans, Enhance Commercial Success
At a time when so many have lost income from touring and other live appearances, UMG has been providing its artists and their teams with tools and technology enabling them to connect remotely with fans and enhance their commercial success. This initiative provides artists with specialized equipment – including professional-grade microphones, mixing boards and lighting – as well as studio engineer assistance to record music or live-stream performances remotely.
“We’ve Got You Covered” Face Mask Initiative
Through our merchandise and brand management company, Bravado, we launched the “We’ve Got You Covered” initiative, which made cloth face masks featuring various UMG artists available for purchase. 100% of net proceeds from mask sales benefitted various charities across the music community. Additionally, free face masks were made available to all UMG employees and 50,000 masks were donated to those serving communities across the U.S., including workers at food banks, school lunch programs, homeless shelters and other community service providers.
Contributing Protective Equipment to Frontline Health Workers
With our partners at Tencent, we helped deliver Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as medical-grade masks, to frontline health workers in urgent need. More than half a million masks have been delivered to hospitals and health facilities in Los Angeles, Nashville and South Florida, with more to come.
Support for U.S. Music Venues and Workers
UMG has supported several major economic relief initiatives for those in the music community most impacted by the pandemic, including:
- Save Our Stages Act. Enacted in December 2020, this legislation provided a $15 billion grant program for small live venue operators and talent representatives;
- Mixed Earner Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Act, which was enacted in the federal stimulus package to support artists, songwriters and industry freelancers with mixed incomes;
- Entertainments New Credit Opportunity for Relief & Economic Sustainability (ENCORES) Act, which would provide tax credits for venues; and
- RESTART Act, which would comprehensively address the needs of many small business struggling in the COVID crisis.