Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) is an Australian trade union and professional organisation that supports workers in the media, entertainment, sports, and arts industries. It brings together many different groups to help protect the rights and interests of people who work in these creative fields.

One part of MEAA is focused on musicians. This includes groups like the Symphony Orchestra Musician Association (SOMA), the Theatre Orchestra Musicians Association (TOMA), and, since December 2018, a new trade union called Musicians Australia (MA). These groups work together to support musicians and make sure they are treated fairly and paid well for their work.

History

The MEAA was started in 1992 on May 18, 1992, by combining three groups: Actors Equity of Australia, the Australian Journalists Association, and The Australian Theatrical & Amusement Employees Association.

In 2006, the Symphony Orchestra Musicians Association (SOMA) joined to become a new part of the MEAA. Later, the New South Wales Artworkers Union also joined, a branch for professional sports was created, and the Screen Technicians Association of Australia became part of the Alliance too.

Description

MEAA includes people who work in TV, radio, theatre, the film industry, cinemas, entertainment venues, and recreation grounds. This includes journalists, actors, dancers, sportspeople, cartoonists, photographers, orchestral and opera performers, as well as those in public relations, advertising, publishing, and website production.

The MEAA has four main sections: Media, Equity, ECS (Entertainment Crew & Sport), and MEAA Musicians. The MEAA Musicians section includes groups such as SOMA (Symphony Orchestra Musician Association), TOMA (Theatre Orchestra Musicians Association), and Musicians Australia, which was created in December 2018. MEAA works with many groups to support its members and promote fair treatment and rights in the entertainment and media industries.

Awards

In 1992, the MEAA took over the Walkley Awards after joining with the Australian Journalists' Association. In 2000, the Walkley Foundation for Journalism was created to manage these awards.

The Equity Foundation was set up for performers who are members of the MEAA. It helps with professional development and runs special programs. Since 2011, it has also given out the Equity Awards. These awards include lifetime achievement honors for Australia since 2009 and for New Zealand since 2015.

Activities

In January 2011, the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance shared ideas with Screen Australia about changing rules for TV money.

There was a big talk about jobs for actors in New Zealand for a movie called The Hobbit. Some people thought the rules were not fair. This caused some worries, but everything was handled carefully.