Privacy Policy

Privacy & Editorial Policy for T5 Media Limited (trading as “The Music Man”)

Last Updated: March 2025

Please note: We do not collect much, if any personal data from our users. Any information we do collect will be in line with the policy below, however, for the vast majority of our website users only the cookies section 3.1 (1) and section 9 will be relevant. Therefore, unless you are an artist or a band that has been in contact with us regarding promotion, it is highly unlikely we have any of your personal data stored.

1. Introduction

T5 Media Limited (“we,” “us,” “our”) is committed to respecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is protected. This Privacy & Editorial Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information, and outlines your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and other applicable laws. It also sets out our editorial standards and commitment to accurate, high-quality journalism.

Our registered office is in the United Kingdom. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Policy, please contact us at: info@themusicman.uk.

2. Who We Are

We operate in the United Kingdom and focus on providing uplifting music-related stories, news, and entertainment. Our editorial team comprises real human writers who are committed to creating positive, accurate, and enjoyable music content.

3. Data We Collect and Why

3.1 Website Users

  1. Cookies:

    • We use essential cookies to ensure our website functions properly.
    • We use analytics cookies to understand user behavior on our website (e.g., how you navigate our pages). This helps us improve your user experience and our services.
    • We do not collect any other personal information from website users unless they explicitly provide it (e.g., via an email marketing signup form).

  2. Email Marketing (Optional Signup):

    • If you choose to subscribe to our email marketing list, we will only collect your email address. We do not collect your name, physical address, or other personally identifiable details.
    • The collection and processing of your email address for marketing is based on your explicit consent (GDPR Article 6(1)(a)).
    • You can unsubscribe at any time with two clicks, and we will immediately stop processing your email for marketing.

3.2 Artists and Bands

  • We may collect limited personal data from artists or bands (e.g., name, email address, or social media handle) when it is necessary to feature their content on our social platforms.
  • We collect only the minimum amount of data required to post their content.
  • We do not store any artist data online (e.g., on external servers accessible via the internet). Any data we do hold is stored securely and promptly removed if we cease working with the artist.
  • Artists and bands can request the removal of their data at any time by using our GDPR Removal Request Form (found at the bottom of this policy) or by emailing us at info@themusicman.uk.

4. Legal Bases for Processing

Under the GDPR, we rely on the following legal bases to collect and process personal data:

  • Consent (Article 6(1)(a)):
    • For analytics cookies (where required by law).
    • For email marketing (subscribers give explicit consent).
  • Legitimate Interests (Article 6(1)(f)):
    • For essential cookies that enable the core functionality of our website (ensuring site security, load balancing, etc.).
    • For minimal artist data collection, insofar as it is necessary to conduct our business (promoting artists on social media).

We always strive to balance our legitimate interests against any potential impact on your rights and freedoms.

5. How We Use Your Data

  1. Website Functionality:

    • Essential cookies help our website load efficiently and enhance your overall experience.

  2. Analytics:

    • Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use our site (e.g., pages visited, time spent on page). This data is aggregated and does not directly identify individuals.

  3. Email Marketing:

    • We may use your email address (if you subscribed) to send occasional newsletters or promotional materials related to The Music Man.
    • You can unsubscribe at any time.

  4. Artist Promotion:

    • We use minimal contact information (e.g., email or social handle) to communicate with the artist/band or to feature their work on our social platforms.

6. Data Retention

  • Website Analytics: Data relating to cookies is typically retained according to each cookie’s specific lifespan.
  • Email Subscribers: We retain your email address until you unsubscribe, or there is a prolonged period of inactivity from the subscribed user, at which point it is removed from our marketing list.
  • Artists and Bands: Data is retained only as long as needed for posting and promotional purposes and is removed when collaboration ends or upon request. We may archive consent of use data from the artist or band for legal purposes. However, if a band or artist explicitly requests the removal of their data, their archived data will be removed alongside any content they have provided permissions of use.

7. Your GDPR Rights

Under the GDPR, you have several rights concerning your personal data:

  1. Right of Access: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  2. Right to Rectification: You can ask us to update or correct any inaccurate data.
  3. Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): You can request the deletion of your personal data, subject to certain exceptions (e.g., legal compliance).
  4. Right to Restrict Processing: You can ask us to stop processing your data in specific circumstances.
  5. Right to Data Portability: You can request the transfer of your data to another service where applicable.
  6. Right to Object: You can object to our processing based on legitimate interests or to direct marketing.
  7. Right to Withdraw Consent: If processing is based on consent, you can withdraw it at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@themusicman.uk or use the GDPR Removal Request Form at the bottom of this policy.

8. Sharing Your Data

  • Third-Party Providers:
    • We may share limited data (e.g., cookie-based analytics) with our third-party service providers (e.g., CaféMedia for advertising, analytics providers). They process data on our behalf and under our instructions.
  • Advertising:
    • This site is affiliated with CMI Marketing, Inc., d/b/a CafeMedia for advertising. CafeMedia may collect and use certain data for ad purposes. For more details, please see CafeMedia’s Privacy Policy.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data.

9. Cookies

  1. Essential Cookies: These enable our core services (e.g., site navigation, security). You cannot disable them as they are necessary for our site to function.
  2. Analytics Cookies: These help us measure and analyze how users interact with our website. You may opt out or disable these cookies in your browser settings if you prefer. Note that doing so may affect certain site functionalities.

For more detailed information on cookies used by our site or to change your cookie preferences, please check your browser settings.

10. Security Measures

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include:

  • Limiting access to your data to authorized individuals.
  • Using secure storage methods for any limited data we do hold.
  • Promptly removing artist data from our records if we cease working with them.

Despite our best efforts, no method of data transmission or storage can be 100% secure. If you suspect any misuse of your personal information, please contact us immediately at info@themusicman.uk.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information promptly.

12. Editorial Policy

12.1 Our Commitment

At T5 Media Limited, we strive for excellence in journalism and uphold the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, and ethical conduct. We employ real human writers, with little to no AI-generated content, to create compelling, factual, and feel-good music stories for entertainment purposes. Our editorial goals include:

  • Positive, Uplifting Content: We aim to provide music news delivered with a positive and enjoyable aspect.
  • Fact-Checking: Our writers and sub-editing team verify facts, quotations, and references to ensure accuracy.
  • Ethical Conduct: We adhere to the principles of respect, honesty, fairness, and lawfulness in all our reporting.

12.2 Fact-Checking

Our writers are responsible for verifying important details such as names, positions, factual statements, and cited URLs. While we trust their professional judgment, we may also employ external fact-checkers when necessary.

12.3 Ethics & Integrity

Our business code of ethics upholds:

  • Respect: We treat everyone with kindness, politeness, and understanding.
  • Honesty & Transparency: We avoid any wrongdoing to the best of our abilities.
  • Fairness: We do not discriminate or exploit others, and we encourage equal opportunities.
  • Lawfulness: We comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Accountability: We take responsibility for our work. If mistakes occur, we correct them promptly.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy & Editorial Policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal obligations, or for other operational reasons. We will post any changes on this page, and the “Last Updated” date at the top will be revised accordingly. We recommend you review this Policy periodically.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or would like to exercise your GDPR rights, please contact us at:

T5 Media Limited
Email: info@themusicman.uk

15. GDPR Removal Request Form

If you wish to request the removal of your personal data from our records (including any data we hold about you as an artist/band or as a subscriber), please complete the form below or contact us at info@themusicman.uk. We will respond in line with GDPR guidelines.

GDPR Data Control

Thank you for taking the time to review our Privacy & Editorial Policy. We are committed to maintaining your trust by safeguarding your information and upholding the highest standards of ethical journalism. If you have any further questions or concerns, please get in touch.