Announced at the Academy’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, the programme also includes support for Basic Income for the Arts, continued development of a Living Composer Trust, the Composer Summit and The Ivors Composer Awards in November.
It forms part of the Academy’s wider work to protect, empower and celebrate all songwriters and composers, as its global membership reaches 16,000 from 2,000 in May 2025.
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy: “The BBC agreement is a pushback against all those who say we can't do better. Creator rights can and must be protected. The Ivors Academy is proving time and again, whether it's this or in gaining per diems for songwriters, that a strong creator organisation can challenge, change minds and deliver for the creators that power our growing creative industry.”
The AGM also followed Chief Executive Roberto Neri officially becoming The Rt Hon. Lord Neri, following his appointment to the House of Lords.
New BBC commissioning guidelines
The BBC, BBC Studios Music Publishing, The Ivors Academy and Musicians’ Union have collectively agreed new commissioning guidelines for media composers, setting clear and fair standards for composers working with the BBC.
The guidelines allow for clear negotiations for new commissions which favour the publishing interest retained by composers, commitments to prioritise human creativity and respect creators’ rights in relation to generative AI, as well as action to widen access for underrepresented composers through comprehensive data collection. The guidelines set out a fair and transparent approach to the pitching process and contracting, as well as clear recognition of additional music writers.
The BBC will also share the guidelines with independent production companies making programmes for the BBC.
Read the BBC commissioning guidelines for media composers.
Lord Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy: “The BBC has a long history championing music. These guidelines show what we can achieve together to protect composers’ interests and ensure their contributions are properly valued. We call on commissioners across the industry to sign up to these standards and help create a future where composers are treated fairly.”
Dom Walker, Global Business Director, BBC Studios: "I am delighted that we are able to share these guidelines in the spirit of continued transparency and collaboration.”
Nicky Bignell, BBC Head of Music Rights: "We are proud to support standards that respect and value the creative work of composers, and we stand alongside The Ivors Academy and the Musicians' Union to ensure the artistic contributions of their members are protected."
Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the MU: “The BBC is the biggest employer and engager of music makers in the UK. We are delighted to publish these guidelines which will help composers to better understand the commissioning process and ensure they are treated consistently. The Ivors Academy and MU are working together to protect composers’, songwriters’ and musicians’ rights as Generative AI develops and these guidelines provide important protections for those writing for the BBC - we want other organisations to follow and make similar commitments.”
Backing Basic Income for the Arts
The Academy also confirmed its support for Basic Income for the Arts, calling for governments to explore how guaranteed income for artists and creators could provide greater financial security and help more people sustain careers in the arts.
This work is informed by Catherine Martin, Head of Policy at The Ivors Academy in Ireland and former Irish Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, who oversaw the introduction of Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts pilot while in government.
Bringing composers together
In November, the Academy will hold its first Composer Week, creating opportunities to support, connect and celebrate composers across genres and disciplines.
The Composer Summit on 18 November will bring composers and the wider industry together to share knowledge, address the issues affecting composers’ careers and build connections.
The day before, The Ivors Composer Awards will celebrate outstanding composition across classical, jazz, sound art, electronic music, film, television, games, stage and beyond.
