Andrew White
@apw1970.bsky.social
Academic/writer. Senior lecturer in Culture, Media & Creative Industries @ KCL. Researches: universal basic income; music streaming platforms
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/andrew-white?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaeAGJcEV7tNvqEfnwkoZguqSbeZgNavTnSxJg4n
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/andrew-white?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaeAGJcEV7tNvqEfnwkoZguqSbeZgNavTnSxJg4n
Pinned
Andrew White
@apw1970.bsky.social
· Oct 29
Inequality in the Digital Economy
This book argues for universal basic income as a response to structural problems in the digital economy, emphasizing its benefits and refuting objections.
link.springer.com
After a long, meandering journey of a few years or more, I’m very happy to have got this over the line.
link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
Why musicians are leaving Spotify – and what it means for the music you love
theconversation.com/why-musician...
theconversation.com/why-musician...
Why musicians are leaving Spotify – and what it means for the music you love
The exodus reflects a general concern that major tech companies are too cosy with the Trump administration.
theconversation.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Why musicians are leaving Spotify – and what it means for the music you love
theconversation.com/why-musician...
theconversation.com/why-musician...
Reposted by Andrew White
On this day in 1964..
David Bowie's "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Men with Long Hair"
David Bowie's "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Men with Long Hair"
David Bowie’s “Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Men with Long Hair” (1964)
17 year old David Jones (Bowie) was interviewed on BBC Tonight programme by Cliff Michelmore as the founder of The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-haired Men! The interview, by…
www.davidbowienews.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:42 PM
On this day in 1964..
David Bowie's "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Men with Long Hair"
David Bowie's "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Men with Long Hair"
Reposted by Andrew White
Three points I keep repeating
1. Left and liberal voters actually really exist
2. The right and "centre" are trying to rule without liberals - they are way out over their skis
3. Reports of right wing total information control are greatly exaggerated
1. Left and liberal voters actually really exist
2. The right and "centre" are trying to rule without liberals - they are way out over their skis
3. Reports of right wing total information control are greatly exaggerated
🧵/ How far does the public support net zero?
Support: 60%
Oppose: 25%
Net support by party
Green: +81
Lib Dem: +67
Lab: +64
Con: +11
Reform: -44
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Support: 60%
Oppose: 25%
Net support by party
Green: +81
Lib Dem: +67
Lab: +64
Con: +11
Reform: -44
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
November 11, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Three points I keep repeating
1. Left and liberal voters actually really exist
2. The right and "centre" are trying to rule without liberals - they are way out over their skis
3. Reports of right wing total information control are greatly exaggerated
1. Left and liberal voters actually really exist
2. The right and "centre" are trying to rule without liberals - they are way out over their skis
3. Reports of right wing total information control are greatly exaggerated
Reposted by Andrew White
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump - brilliant stuff from @davidallengreen.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/emptycit...
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:02 PM
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump - brilliant stuff from @davidallengreen.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/emptycit...
Reposted by Andrew White
I am looking forward to participating in this event.
Belfast Media Panel - Future in Frame - Public Service Media in a shared island www.belfastmediafestival.co.uk/schedules/fu... #belfastmediafestival
Belfast Media Panel - Future in Frame - Public Service Media in a shared island www.belfastmediafestival.co.uk/schedules/fu... #belfastmediafestival
Future in Frame - Public Service Media in a Shared Island - Belfast Media Festival
www.belfastmediafestival.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 12:28 PM
I am looking forward to participating in this event.
Belfast Media Panel - Future in Frame - Public Service Media in a shared island www.belfastmediafestival.co.uk/schedules/fu... #belfastmediafestival
Belfast Media Panel - Future in Frame - Public Service Media in a shared island www.belfastmediafestival.co.uk/schedules/fu... #belfastmediafestival
Reposted by Andrew White
A new class action lawsuit against Spotify alleges the company has “turned a blind eye” to “mass-scale fraudulent streaming” on its platform and that one musician in particular has been the beneficiary of “billions” of fake streams: Drake.
Lawsuit Against Spotify Claims 'Billions' of Drake Streams Were 'Fraudulent'
bit.ly
November 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM
A new class action lawsuit against Spotify alleges the company has “turned a blind eye” to “mass-scale fraudulent streaming” on its platform and that one musician in particular has been the beneficiary of “billions” of fake streams: Drake.
Reposted by Andrew White
Trump is not actually president. Who is running the White House? This pardon is legally invalid.
O'DONNELL: Why did you pardon Changpeng Zhao?
TRUMP: Are you ready? I don't know who he is
O'DONNELL: His crypto exchange Binance helped facilitate a $2b purchase of World Liberty Financial's stablecoin. And they you pardoned him.
TRUMP: Here's the thing -- I know nothing about it
TRUMP: Are you ready? I don't know who he is
O'DONNELL: His crypto exchange Binance helped facilitate a $2b purchase of World Liberty Financial's stablecoin. And they you pardoned him.
TRUMP: Here's the thing -- I know nothing about it
November 3, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Trump is not actually president. Who is running the White House? This pardon is legally invalid.
Reposted by Andrew White
I loved everything about this production.
Good times! 👍
Good times! 👍
Just watched This House by James Graham.
I didn't realize @reecedinsdale.bsky.social was in it what an excellent piece of theatre sharp,witty,you learn so much about the whips.🎭
Please watch if you are a fan of Reece he is excellent a
powerhouse on the stage.
www.ntathome.com/videos/this-...
I didn't realize @reecedinsdale.bsky.social was in it what an excellent piece of theatre sharp,witty,you learn so much about the whips.🎭
Please watch if you are a fan of Reece he is excellent a
powerhouse on the stage.
www.ntathome.com/videos/this-...
This House: Full Play
www.ntathome.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:40 PM
I loved everything about this production.
Good times! 👍
Good times! 👍
Reposted by Andrew White
Calls grow for basic income scheme for artists in England and Wales after Ireland’s success
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/call...
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/call...
Calls grow for basic income scheme for artists in England and Wales after Ireland’s success
"The positive economic impact this report has revealed is a very encouraging outcome for the sector and the general public."
leftfootforward.org
November 1, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Calls grow for basic income scheme for artists in England and Wales after Ireland’s success
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/call...
leftfootforward.org/2025/11/call...
Reposted by Andrew White
After a week of faffing around the @dailymail.co.uk have agreed to apologise. Here it is. Fingers crossed for fewer lies/smears dressed up as news in future
November 1, 2025 at 12:31 PM
After a week of faffing around the @dailymail.co.uk have agreed to apologise. Here it is. Fingers crossed for fewer lies/smears dressed up as news in future
Reposted by Andrew White
As AI spreads across all enterprises, our divided societies will fracture further unless there is some form of distribution that shares the wealth.
My piece on Universal Basic Capital in the @financialtimes.com mes.com
www.ft.com/content/9b93...
My piece on Universal Basic Capital in the @financialtimes.com mes.com
www.ft.com/content/9b93...
Universal basic credit would create a fair AI economy
Predistribution, not redistribution, is needed to close the inequality gap
www.ft.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM
As AI spreads across all enterprises, our divided societies will fracture further unless there is some form of distribution that shares the wealth.
My piece on Universal Basic Capital in the @financialtimes.com mes.com
www.ft.com/content/9b93...
My piece on Universal Basic Capital in the @financialtimes.com mes.com
www.ft.com/content/9b93...
Reposted by Andrew White
New on my Substack about how the election that just happened in the Netherlands may soon result in the Dutch attaining first place in the race for Universal Basic Income. What happened and why did it happen? Give it a read!
The Netherlands May Become the First Country With a Universal Basic Income
D66's Dutch election win was fueled by a universal basic income plan, backed by trials showing removing work rules boosts well-being without hurting employment
open.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:24 PM
New on my Substack about how the election that just happened in the Netherlands may soon result in the Dutch attaining first place in the race for Universal Basic Income. What happened and why did it happen? Give it a read!
Reposted by Andrew White
This just happened in the The Netherlands today. The centrist "D66" party, running on a platform that includes a universal basic income, won the most votes, positioning its leader to become the new PM. You heard that right, UBI is now a moderate position there and seen as a pragmatic solution to AI.
![D66's Rise on Social Liberal Platform Sparks Debate on Shifting Political Labels
The Hague - The strong performance of the Dutch political party Democrats 66 (D66) in the general election on October 29, 2025, where they tied for the most seats, has ignited a conversation about the evolution of political ideologies. Running on an explicitly social liberal platform, D66's success, which included a proposal for an "individual basic amount" akin to a Universal Basic Income (UBI), has led many to observe a notable shift in how such policies are framed – from being decried as "Socialist" just a few years ago to now being considered "pragmatic centrism."
In the recent election, D66, led by Rob Jetten, secured 26 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, a significant gain that positioned them as a major force in the coalition negotiations.[1][2] Their campaign was characterized by a positive and forward-looking message, with analysts noting that voters were drawn to their "stable, centrist coalition" appeal.[3]
A key plank of their platform was the introduction of an "individual basic amount," a policy aimed at simplifying the current complex benefits system.[4] This proposal is seen by many as a form of UBI, an idea that has been debated in the Netherlands for decades.
Historically, the concept of a basic income has seen support from various corners of the Dutch political landscape. As far back as the 1990s, figures within D66 publicly favored the idea.[4] The GreenLeft party (GroenLinks) has also previously endorsed a form of negative income tax with the long-term goal of a basic income.[4] However, mainstream parties, including the Labour Party (PvdA) and the conservative VVD, have historically been more hesitant or outright opposed, often raising concerns about the work ethic and the underlying principles of the existing social security system.[5]
The recent success of D66's proposal has prompted reflection on a potential shift in the political discourse.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:weypikbrwodr2fsanloqjx6s/bafkreienj2htkaj6ma6zf2zvgw2aaiajkppzj3k6nqprml23bn5yq3dagu@jpeg)
![D66's "Individual Basic Amount": A Closer Look at the Proposal
The social-liberal party D66 has centered its successful 2025 election campaign on a significant overhaul of the Dutch social security system, introducing a proposal for an "individual basic amount" for every adult citizen. This plan, a cornerstone of their manifesto, aims to replace the current complex web of benefits and allowances with a single, more direct form of income support.
Core Principles of the Proposal:
The fundamental idea behind the "individual basic amount" is to provide a foundational income floor for all adults in the Netherlands.[1][2] This would function in two primary ways:
For those with sufficient income: It would act as a tax credit, reducing their overall tax burden.[3][4]
For those with little to no income: It would be disbursed as a direct cash payment.[3][4]
This system is designed to simplify the current labyrinthine benefits system, which D66 argues is overly bureaucratic and often difficult for citizens to navigate.[1] The party's manifesto explicitly states the goal is to move towards a system that offers more financial security and simplicity.
Phasing Out Existing Benefits:
A key component of the proposal is the gradual elimination of several existing allowances. The health and childcare allowances are specifically targeted to be eventually scrapped and integrated into the new "individual basic amount."[5] This consolidation is intended to streamline support and reduce the administrative overhead associated with the current multi-benefit system.
Funding the Transition:
D66 plans to finance this ambitious overhaul through a broader restructuring of the tax system. One of the primary funding mechanisms outlined is the phasing out of the existing mortgage interest tax relief.[6] Additionally, the party has proposed increasing taxes on wealth and introducing a "millionaire's tax" to generate further revenue. This approach signals a shift in the tax burden...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:weypikbrwodr2fsanloqjx6s/bafkreidzwuihv4hmobifafipe7y2hts73c6o6rsx5ba6voz2tmo62no2ci@jpeg)
October 30, 2025 at 9:19 PM
This just happened in the The Netherlands today. The centrist "D66" party, running on a platform that includes a universal basic income, won the most votes, positioning its leader to become the new PM. You heard that right, UBI is now a moderate position there and seen as a pragmatic solution to AI.
Reposted by Andrew White
Reporters (every day): are you seeking a third term
Trump: the constitution says I can’t run again, unfortunately
Reporters: but you could run for vp?!!!
Trump: sure but people wouldn’t like that, it’s too cute
Reporters: there have to be other ways sir. We will find them for you, stand by
Trump: the constitution says I can’t run again, unfortunately
Reporters: but you could run for vp?!!!
Trump: sure but people wouldn’t like that, it’s too cute
Reporters: there have to be other ways sir. We will find them for you, stand by
October 30, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Reporters (every day): are you seeking a third term
Trump: the constitution says I can’t run again, unfortunately
Reporters: but you could run for vp?!!!
Trump: sure but people wouldn’t like that, it’s too cute
Reporters: there have to be other ways sir. We will find them for you, stand by
Trump: the constitution says I can’t run again, unfortunately
Reporters: but you could run for vp?!!!
Trump: sure but people wouldn’t like that, it’s too cute
Reporters: there have to be other ways sir. We will find them for you, stand by
Reposted by Andrew White
30,000 jobs *poof* gone, which would be fine if automation actually benefitted us all instead of just massively enriching a few soon-to-be trillionaires while depressing incomes for most everyone else. Both universal basic income and healthcare need to be part of our more automated future.
Or else.
Or else.
Exclusive: Amazon targets as many as 30,000 corporate job cuts, sources say
Amazon is planning to cut as many as 30,000 corporate jobs beginning Tuesday, as the company works to pare expenses and compensate for overhiring during the peak demand of the pandemic, according to three people familiar with the matter.
www.reuters.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:47 AM
30,000 jobs *poof* gone, which would be fine if automation actually benefitted us all instead of just massively enriching a few soon-to-be trillionaires while depressing incomes for most everyone else. Both universal basic income and healthcare need to be part of our more automated future.
Or else.
Or else.
A very good article here on the basic income and the particular benefits for musicians and other creative workers.
I was interviewed for an article for UBC (União Brasileira de Compositores) — Brazil’s non-profit collective management organization for music rights holders — about Ireland's soon to be permanent basic income for artists program. This is the English translation of the article written in Portugese.
Irish Government Proposes Basic Income For Artists
Irish government plans to implement permanent basic income program of €325 ($361) a week for 2,000 professionals in the creative sector; an expert backs the initiative
The following is the English ...
www.scottsantens.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:53 PM
A very good article here on the basic income and the particular benefits for musicians and other creative workers.
Reposted by Andrew White
People who have come to the United Kingdom legally, played by the rules and made it their home do not need to “go home”. This is their home.
I've written to Kemi Badenoch to give her the chance to reject these divisive calls from her frontbencher Katie Lam.
I've written to Kemi Badenoch to give her the chance to reject these divisive calls from her frontbencher Katie Lam.
October 22, 2025 at 8:32 AM
People who have come to the United Kingdom legally, played by the rules and made it their home do not need to “go home”. This is their home.
I've written to Kemi Badenoch to give her the chance to reject these divisive calls from her frontbencher Katie Lam.
I've written to Kemi Badenoch to give her the chance to reject these divisive calls from her frontbencher Katie Lam.
Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts scheme's indefinite extension is a significant boon for Irish artists, and those fighting for better working conditions in the creative industries elsewhere. I have written about it here:
theconversation.com/irelands-bas...
@kingscmci.bsky.social #UBI #BasicIncome
theconversation.com/irelands-bas...
@kingscmci.bsky.social #UBI #BasicIncome
Ireland’s basic income scheme for artists points at how governments could help sectors in crisis
It’s one of the first to make it out of the pilot stage and to offer a subsistence level payment.
theconversation.com
October 20, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts scheme's indefinite extension is a significant boon for Irish artists, and those fighting for better working conditions in the creative industries elsewhere. I have written about it here:
theconversation.com/irelands-bas...
@kingscmci.bsky.social #UBI #BasicIncome
theconversation.com/irelands-bas...
@kingscmci.bsky.social #UBI #BasicIncome
Reposted by Andrew White
this is obviously appalling - and he should lose his job - but it's also really quite shocking; I first met Calgie when he was a baby reporter in his early twenties and sure, he was always a Tory, but he was....fine and normal? right-wing radicalisation is out of control in SW1
A mainstream “journalist” calling for a British MP to be deported. Is it because I’m Muslim? Next time, just say it with your chest.
October 18, 2025 at 9:23 AM
this is obviously appalling - and he should lose his job - but it's also really quite shocking; I first met Calgie when he was a baby reporter in his early twenties and sure, he was always a Tory, but he was....fine and normal? right-wing radicalisation is out of control in SW1
Reposted by Andrew White
It’s one of the first to make it out of the pilot stage and to offer a subsistence level payment.
Ireland’s basic income scheme for artists points at how governments could help sectors in crisis
It’s one of the first to make it out of the pilot stage and to offer a subsistence level payment.
tcnv.link
October 17, 2025 at 8:15 PM
It’s one of the first to make it out of the pilot stage and to offer a subsistence level payment.
Reposted by Andrew White
HEY! How is everyone?
We need to be much more active over on this lovely platform.
So … last week's ep has just gone up. It's an asylum special with the amazing @loucalvey.bsky.social.
Get us on YouTube, Spotify and all other pod apps.
youtu.be/Fzd6LihWAkc
open.spotify.com/episode/3K5A...
We need to be much more active over on this lovely platform.
So … last week's ep has just gone up. It's an asylum special with the amazing @loucalvey.bsky.social.
Get us on YouTube, Spotify and all other pod apps.
youtu.be/Fzd6LihWAkc
open.spotify.com/episode/3K5A...
October 15, 2025 at 3:39 PM
HEY! How is everyone?
We need to be much more active over on this lovely platform.
So … last week's ep has just gone up. It's an asylum special with the amazing @loucalvey.bsky.social.
Get us on YouTube, Spotify and all other pod apps.
youtu.be/Fzd6LihWAkc
open.spotify.com/episode/3K5A...
We need to be much more active over on this lovely platform.
So … last week's ep has just gone up. It's an asylum special with the amazing @loucalvey.bsky.social.
Get us on YouTube, Spotify and all other pod apps.
youtu.be/Fzd6LihWAkc
open.spotify.com/episode/3K5A...
Reposted by Andrew White
Great news, everyone! Looks like Ireland is making their Basic Income for Artists program permanent! This is after a recent public consultation that showed 97% support for the program.
Budget 2026: Basic income for artists to become permanent
The Basic Income for the Arts scheme will be put on a permanent footing in the Budget tomorrow.
www.rte.ie
October 6, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Great news, everyone! Looks like Ireland is making their Basic Income for Artists program permanent! This is after a recent public consultation that showed 97% support for the program.
Reposted by Andrew White
The other day, literally in 2025, there were high-profile, liberal-identifying media people still handwringing over the use of "deplorables" a decade ago in a campaign speech. When this staggering rhetoric, and what it leads to, is what we hear from the head of the US.
Trump: "The ones that are run by radical left Democrats -- what they've done to San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles. They're very unsafe places & we're gonna straighten them out one by one. This is gonna be a major part for some people in this room. That's a war too. It's war from within"
September 30, 2025 at 2:35 PM
The other day, literally in 2025, there were high-profile, liberal-identifying media people still handwringing over the use of "deplorables" a decade ago in a campaign speech. When this staggering rhetoric, and what it leads to, is what we hear from the head of the US.
Reposted by Andrew White
Happiness, humour, truth and, most crucially, courage are the qualities needed to repel the racist tide.
Because its architects offer whining, victimhood, lies and, most crucially, cowardice.
Because its architects offer whining, victimhood, lies and, most crucially, cowardice.
Very good stuff from Sadiq Khan at the Labour Irish society event. He said there are two reasons he loves coming to Labour Conference.
“One is the reception at the Labour Party Irish Society reception.
“The second is to get away from all the Sharia Law in London”
“One is the reception at the Labour Party Irish Society reception.
“The second is to get away from all the Sharia Law in London”
September 29, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Happiness, humour, truth and, most crucially, courage are the qualities needed to repel the racist tide.
Because its architects offer whining, victimhood, lies and, most crucially, cowardice.
Because its architects offer whining, victimhood, lies and, most crucially, cowardice.
Reposted by Andrew White
Fiery interview with Ed Miliband at Labour conference @lcefuk.bsky.social
Says “the stakes couldn’t be higher” in the fight with Reform
Says Musk is dangerous
Says Labour has to fight the battle of ideas and hasn’t done a good enough job on that so far
Says “the stakes couldn’t be higher” in the fight with Reform
Says Musk is dangerous
Says Labour has to fight the battle of ideas and hasn’t done a good enough job on that so far
September 28, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Fiery interview with Ed Miliband at Labour conference @lcefuk.bsky.social
Says “the stakes couldn’t be higher” in the fight with Reform
Says Musk is dangerous
Says Labour has to fight the battle of ideas and hasn’t done a good enough job on that so far
Says “the stakes couldn’t be higher” in the fight with Reform
Says Musk is dangerous
Says Labour has to fight the battle of ideas and hasn’t done a good enough job on that so far