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Warner Music Announces $100M Donation To Fight Social Injustice


After The Weeknd called on the majors to donate big and go public, Warner Music’s Len Blavatnik announced a $100M fund to support organizations across America fighting racial injustices.

Many major labels were facing criticism after staying quiet following the protests. Though several have issued statements, many have wondered what they are actually going to do, especially since they’ve been capitalizing on Black culture for so long. Even The Weeknd put out a challenge to Warner Music, Universal, Apple, Spotify and more to “go big and public” with their donation.

“To my fellow respected industry partners and execs- no one profits off of black music more than the labels and streaming services,” he said. “I gave yesterday and I urge you to go big and public with yours this week. It would mean the world to me and the community if you can join us.” 

Following Blackout Tuesday, Variety reports Warner Music Group and the Family Foundation main owner Len Blavatnik will be donating a $100M fund towards fighting against injustices across America and within the music industry. The funds will also towards promoting diversity and equality. 

Warner Music Group’s CEO Steve Cooper made a statement detailing what the funds towards, though they haven’t clarified exact organizations yet.

“This fund will support the extraordinary, dedicated organizations that are on the front lines of the fight against racism and injustice, and that help those in need across the music industry. Our advisory panel, which will draw from a diverse cross-section of people from our team and the wider community, will help us be very thoughtful and accountable in how we make an impact. We’re determined to contribute, on a sustained long-term basis, to the effort to bring about real change.”

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Payola Claims Lead FCC Commissioner To Ask Record Labels To Investigate Issue

Mike O'Rielly is cracking down on shady business practices in the music industry.

FCC Commissioner Mike O'Rielly is fighting against the issue of payola in the music industry -- a concerning practice that many have made allegations of for decades. In September, O'Rielly previously shared a letter asking the Recording Industry Association of America to look into the issue of payola. In response, the RIAA said they weren't in a position to investigate their members' practices and suggested that the FCC inquire directly to the labels themselves.

O'Rielly shared a letter on Twitter sent to the three major record labels, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group, asking them to investigate "accusations that financial enticement is in some cases driving chart rankings, album and song sales, and commercial success."

"Such practices, in turn, create unfair financial advantages for some, to the detriment of others. Additionally, artificially and secretly facilitating the commercial success of certain performers—or their management—at others’ expense disadvantages American consumers by undermining access to artists they might otherwise prefer," he explained. 

The FCC is requesting these labels to submit information pertaining to their knowledge of payola, their understanding of the current rules and what rules and laws need to be applied to curb the issue. 

Among the questions are how the company defines payola and if employees are required to be trained in "payola prohibitions and potential penalties." Peep the full letter here.