Bob Dylan Song Blocked from New York Political Campaign Ad

A New York political campaign’s viral ad was removed from social media. The ad featured a Bob Dylan song. Universal Music Publishing Group blocked its use. The company has a policy against licensing Dylan’s music to politicians.

The ad was for Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign. It used the song “The Times They Are a-Changin’.” According to The New York Times, UMPG issued a copyright takedown notice. The video was subsequently disabled on the platform X.

UMPG Denies License for Political Use

Universal Music Publishing Group confirmed its policy. The company does not license Bob Dylan’s compositions for political figures. This stance was reported by reputable sources like The New York Times.

The Mamdani campaign had previously requested a license. UMPG denied this request. The recent takedown appears to enforce this long-standing rule.

The ad was posted just before the election. It quickly gained traction online. Its removal sparked discussions about music copyright in political contexts.

Broader Implications for Political Campaigns

This incident highlights a significant challenge for political campaigns. Using popular music requires explicit permission. Many artists and publishers refuse for various reasons.

The automatic takedown on X shows how platforms enforce copyright. Other platforms like Instagram and TikTok may have different systems. The ad remained live on those services for a longer period.

This case sets a clear precedent. Future campaigns will need to be more cautious. Securing the right licenses for music is a critical, non-negotiable step.

The removal of the ad underscores a critical point for modern political operations. Campaigns must navigate complex copyright laws. The use of a Bob Dylan song remains a tightly controlled privilege, not a right, for any political message.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why was the Bob Dylan song removed from the ad?

Universal Music Publishing Group blocked its use. The company has a policy against licensing Bob Dylan’s music for political campaigns. This led to a copyright takedown on the social media platform X.

Q2: Does Bob Dylan himself control these decisions?

The decision rests with the music publisher, UMPG. They acquired the rights to Dylan’s songwriting catalog in 2020. The policy is a corporate stance, not necessarily a personal one from the artist.

Q3: Was the ad taken down from all platforms?

No, the ad was primarily removed from X. Reports from The New York Times indicated the video remained available on other platforms like Instagram and TikTok following the takedown notice.

Q4: Can political campaigns ever use popular songs?

Yes, but only with explicit permission from the copyright holder. Many artists and publishers, however, have policies against it to avoid appearing to endorse a particular candidate or party.

Q5: What is Universal Music Publishing Group’s main reason for this policy?

UMPG states it is a long-standing policy to avoid political endorsements. This helps maintain the artistic integrity of the music and prevents unintended political associations.