Universal Music Group is an example of a major record label with a solid corporate social responsibility program. In fact, they may be the only one of the three major record labels with one right now. When researching this post, Universal was the only label with easily accessible information on their CSR programs. They can be commended for their active effort to bring artists, industry-employees, and fans together to create positive change in the world.
Universal currently supports 16 different music-related charities. This includes programs like MusiCares, a program ran by the Recording Academy that provides emergency support to music people in need on a case by case basis. Another supported program, She Is The Music, works towards creating “equality, inclusivity, and opportunity for women in music”.
Universal even partners with some non-music related charities, like City of Hope, a cancer research organization. While Universal does deserve praise for their actions, this should be the standard in the industry. There is no excuse for a major record label not to have a well run CSR program in 2019. The fact that there is hardly any information about CSR at other labels available on the internet is concerning.
I think of all industries, music lends itself especially well to CSR initiatives. Fans feel a strong connection to their favorite musical artists. This puts musicians in a unique position of power, to be able to influence the thoughts and viewpoints of many people. The music industry greatly impacts American culture. Consequently, it should make an active effort to impact it positively.
Hip-hop record labels, in particular, should give back to the underprivileged communities that gave birth to the once underground sub-culture that has gone on to dominate the charts today. Hip-hop was born at parties in inner-city communities in New York City during the 1970s. Today, it is the most popular genre of music in the world. While this is fantastic, many people who helped pioneer the art form have been left behind. Consequently, I think the record labels have an inherent duty to give back to the people who their music originally comes from. Furthermore, I think in this day and age, any major company should have a corporate social responsibility program. Any company without one just seems careless.
Universal Music Group CSR
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