The world received welcome news this morning that Sony Corp – parent of Sony Music Group – had launched a $100m global relief fund to bring help to those impacted by COVID-19.
Tokyo-based Sony noted that, in addition to helping medical workers fighting the virus and funding the continued education of children worldwide, a portion of this money would “support up-and-coming creators, artists and those in professions supporting the [entertainment] industry”.
Now, in an internal memo obtained by MBW sent earlier today (April 2), Sony Music CEO and Sony Music Group Chairman, Rob Stringer, has further commented on Sony’s music-related efforts in the wake of the global Coronavirus pandemic.
Stringer told his employees of Sony Corp’s $100m commitment: “I know we’re all searching for more opportunities to help those directly affected by the crisis inside and outside the music community and I’m proud that our company is doing its part.”
“We are working together with your leaders and Sony Corp at the highest level to continue to evolve our response accordingly in the coming weeks and months locally and globally.”
He added: “In the past week, the level of collaboration between the Music Group and Sony Corp to develop this initiative has been inspiring teamwork-wise, but I want to assure you that these steps are just the beginning of our response efforts.
“We are working together with your leaders and Sony Corp at the highest level to continue to evolve our response accordingly in the coming weeks and months locally and globally. We’re lucky to have team members across the globe committed to helping their communities in addition to our artists and songwriters, and I look forward to working with you all to support those impacted by COVID-19.”
Stringer wrote proudly of Sony’s introduction of a matching donation program across its global organization for employees, which “means we will match your donations made to select pandemic relief efforts around the world” with “more details [to] be shared in the coming days”.
The British exec noted that Sony Corp entered a new fiscal year on April 1, while remaining realistic about the fact that, like most businesses across the world, it did so facing up to a degree of uncertainty about the year ahead.
“Of course, like every business affected by this crisis, we now know that the next 12 months will bring challenges unlike any we’ve experienced before. Nevertheless, I am confident that we have what it takes to overcome the headwinds we’re facing.”
“Of course, like every business affected by this crisis, we now know that the next 12 months will bring challenges unlike any we’ve experienced before,” said Stringer. “Nevertheless, I am confident that we have what it takes to overcome the headwinds we’re facing as long as we remain focused on our values and continue building on our strengths. Whatever lies ahead, we will continue to put our employees, artists, and songwriters first in every action we take.”
Stringer complimented Sony Music’s employees for showing themselves to be a “a company made up of compassionate, caring and creative business people” in their individual responses to the COVID crisis.
He added: “Thanks to each and every one of you for continuing to check in and collaborate with each other as we navigate this new and ever-changing reality. This unscheduled break from our routines is a valuable reminder to all of us to prioritize what matters most in life: the health and safety of us and our loved ones. I hope you will keep finding new ways to stay connected, stay well, and stay positive in the days and weeks ahead.”Music Business Worldwide
