The Looby Campain
If you have read the “About” page you will be left with one overriding impression about Lisa’s fight with BMI, NO-ONE CARED. Lisa’s union Amicus / Unite, refused to offer legal backing, and The British Government refused to become involved. Many organizations that profess to promote equality and fight discrimination all turned their back including the Human Rights and Equality Commission (HREC). The letter sent to HREC can be viewed here.
Lisa had been dismissed by BMI, badly let down by the union Amicus / Unite and amazingly let down by the British legal system. Where to now?
Support and assistance for Lisa came from a totally unexpected area.
Lisa, under the name of Marcelle (Marc) Ash, had been nominated finalist in the BBC Radio 2’s “New Talent Songwriters Award”. A prestigious award that is run by the BBC in conjunction with the organisation behind the Ivor Novello awards. Lisa, (Marc) had already gained exposure in many magazines, made an appearance on Sky TV with her band McKinney and had her music played on BBC Radio 2′s Chris Evans show.
The musicians that Lisa met during this period came up with a simple plan. To raise the profile of Lisa’s case they suggested releasing a cover version of a 1970’s “disco” track entitled “Shame, Shame, Shame” to “Shame” BMI, Amicus / Unite the British Tribunal and the Labour Govenment.
The track did raise awareness of Lisa’s situation and helped secure major press coverage in most of the UK’s media. A video planned for release in the next month will also further raise awareness about Lisa’s stand.
BBC Refuse Due to “Political Overtones”
The track did however also expose another, very surprising view.
The head of BBC Radio 1 Playlist committee said in an email that BBC radio 1, “would have difficulty playing the track due to its political overtones”. This might go some way to explain why despite the massive world wide media interest in Lisa’s story, BBC News completely ignored it. Lisa then wrote to the BBC to remind them of their duty as a public body. As of the 6th April 2006, all public authorities were required to “eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment” .
