It is Grammy season and The Recording Academy, founded in 1957, has instituted comprehensive rules and guidelines for Grammy campaigning to maintain fairness and transparency in the awards process. These rules, are a 76-page document posted outline at the direction of Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., stating what is acceptable and what is not in the pursuit of Grammy nominations.
First round voting starts October 11 and end October 20 at 6:00 pm PT.
In this article, we’ll dissect the top 10 do’s and don’ts of Grammy campaigning as stipulated by the Recording Academy.
Do’s
1. Follow the “Voter Code of Conduct”
- Do: Base your voting choices solely on the artistic and technical merits of the eligible recordings, excluding personal biases like friendships or regional preferences.
2. Utilize FYC Communications
- Do: Use FYC (For Your Consideration) communications, including emails, mailings, invitations, social media, websites, and print ads, to promote eligible recordings.
3. Present FYC Communications Ethically
- Do: Include artwork related to the product under consideration, brief and honest descriptions of the recording or creators, links to product and promotional websites, and proper references to Grammy nominations.
4. Include Opt-Out Options
- Do: Ensure that FYC communications include an opt-out option for recipients who do not wish to receive further campaign materials.
5. Host & Attend Independent FYC Events
- Do: Host or attend independent FYC events following guidelines but without offering complimentary meals, alcoholic beverages, gifts, or undue hospitality.
Don’ts
1. Let External Factors Influence Your Vote
- Don’t: Allow personal friendships, company loyalties, regional preferences, or sales volume/popularity to affect your voting choices.
2. Accept Gifts or Payments for Votes
- Don’t: Accept any form of payment, gifts, or privileges in exchange for votes, access to other members, or submission of materials for Grammy consideration.
3. Form Voting Blocs or Trade Votes
- Don’t: Engage in agreements or understandings to vote as part of a group (voting blocs) or exchange votes with others (vote trading).
4. Cast a Negative Light on Competing Recordings
- Don’t: Disparage or cast a negative light on competing recordings by name or title.
5. Exaggerate Merits or Misrepresent Facts
- Don’t: Overstate the merits of music or individuals, misrepresent honors or awards, or include misleading information in FYC communications.
6. Use Recording Academy Trademarks or Logos
- Don’t: Include Recording Academy trademarks or logos in FYC materials, as these are reserved for paid sponsors or partners.
7. Mention Specific Data
- Don’t: Include entry list numbers, category numbers, chart numbers, sales figures, or awards in FYC communications.
8. Reference the Year or Telecast Number
- Don’t: Mention the year or telecast number (e.g., “2023” or “66th Grammy Awards”) in FYC materials.
9. Mailing FYC Materials to Academy Offices
- Don’t: Mail FYC product or marketing materials to any Recording Academy offices; they will not be distributed to members.
10. Contact Academy Members by Phone for Campaigning
- Don’t: Contact Academy members by phone for Grammy-eligible product promotion or any other campaign activities.
Additional Guidelines
Unlisted Activities
- It should not be assumed that any tactics or activities not specifically prohibited by these regulations are acceptable. The Recording Academy is willing to review any materials or answer any questions that arise in advance.
Reporting Violations
- If you see any violations of these guidelines, the Recording Academy encourages the community to report findings and help maintain the integrity of the Grammy Awards process.
