Debate posts by artists' and journalists' front persons: Thomas Sandberg, Chairperson of the Danish Federation of Musicians, Sara Indrio, Chairperson of the Danish Federation of Artists, Benjamin Boe, Chairperson of the Danish Actors' Association and Tine Johansen, Chairperson of the Danish Union of Journalists - Media & Communication

Those of us who create and distribute music, art and culture to the Danish people are now facing a serious situation that threatens our profession and our members. As representatives of thousands of musicians, actors, artists and journalists who make their living creating content for TV, radio and other media, we view the current conflict with YouSee with great concern.

YouSee, Denmark's largest TV distributor, cancelled all rights payment agreements back in March, yet continues to sell our content without paying us for our work. They have also initiated legal action demanding to cut our payments by more than 70% from one year to the next - knowing that the content and the work of creating music, journalism, film remains the same. Our members often make a living from a combination of freelance work and project employment, which is why rights payments are an essential part of their income.

When YouSee chooses to pressurise us with protracted court cases that could potentially last 5-7 years, we risk losing the financial basis of the entire industry. It could mean that the content that consumers demand will not be created, as no one can afford to work for free. This is an unfair burden on thousands of cultural creators.

We fear that YouSee is speculating to force us to accept unfair terms by pressurising us financially so that we eventually have no choice but to give in. It's not just unfair - it's directly harmful to the entire cultural life of Denmark. YouSee should stop this tone-deaf strategy and instead engage in a fair dialogue about rights payments that ensures that those who create content are also paid fairly for their work.

Culture is an important part of Danish society and we will not let it be undermined by a short-term economic strategy. We stand together across professions and unions to protect the rights of our members and ensure that Danish culture can continue to flourish.


The debate was published in Politiken.