Warner Music Group's incoming CEO, Robert Kyncl, and his outgoing counterpart, Steve Cooper, have released the company's 2022 Environmental Social Governance (ESG) report, one year after it became the first major music entity to craft one. The second annual report highlights progress in areas such as employee experience, social impact, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and climate change.

"Music is a powerful and positive force, and WMG is filled with passionate change-makers and champions of culture," Kyncl said. "This report highlights the strong foundation for the company’s continued evolution that’s been built under Steve’s leadership. As we chart the next phase of our long-term growth, we’re committed to our ESG efforts as a critical part of our plan for WMG as a more dynamic, inclusive and sustainable company.”

Among WMG's numerous accomplished goals are minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reducing the output of virgin raw plastic and producing more sustainable record options like recycled vinyl. WMG partnered with Sonopress to provide fans with records that use an estimated eight times less energy, reduce GHG emissions per record by approximately 85% and have the same sound quality as traditional vinyl.

WMG was also certified as a "Great Place to Work" in the U.S. (for the second year) and Spain and designated as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Coalition for the third consecutive year. Additionally, the WMG/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund has made more than $25 million in grant commitments to date and has supported a roster of more than 30 organizations through its Core Grants Fund.

Other victories include winning landmark lawsuits against large-scale copyright theft (alongside Universal and Sony), strengthening compliance protocols and controls and reinforcing compulsory anti-harassment training.

Read the full report here while we contemplate all the ways in which HITS has left us nothing but morally bankrupt.