TOWARDS A FAIR AND COMPETITIVE LICENSING MARKET: IMPALA COMMENTS ON EC COPYRIGHT PROPOSAL

IMPALA shares its views on the EC’s proposal for a new Directive on copyright, published today. Part of a wider strategy to reinforce Europe’s digital market, this proposal covers a range of sectors, including music where independent companies are at the forefront.

IMPALA SLAMS EU’S DECISION TO CLEAR SONY’S BUYOUT OF SONY/ATV

Today the European Commission has decided to clear Sony’s buyout of the late Michael Jackson estate’s shares in Sony/ATV.

This decision follows a preliminary investigation during which the Commission examined the views of customers and competitors.

THIS AUTUMN WILL BE CRITICAL FOR THE CREATIVE & CULTURAL SECTORS IN EUROPE

After a busy period for the cultural and creative sectors, we’re looking forward to the summer break. Yet we’re well aware that some people in Brussels will still be hard at work, putting the final touches to the Commission’s plans for its second package of copyright-related proposals.

FURTHER CONCERNS OVER “TRANSFORMATIVE” SONY/SONYATV TRANSACTION RAISED IN BRUSSELS

As the European Commission reaches a key stage in its investigation into Sony’s buy out of the Michael Jackson estate’s shares in Sony/ATV, independent music companies renew their call for a tough stance to be taken.

THIS MONTH’S FIVEUNDERFIFTEEN BECOMES SIXUNDERFIFTEEN

This is the final edition of the FIVEUNDERFIFTEEN campaign showcasing top labels 15 years young or younger. Since the beginning of the campaign in March, each month five European young labels are featured in The Independent Echo but this month’s selection is unique because it includes an additional label from the United States.

ARTISTS CALL ON THE EU TO FIX THE VALUE GAP

Over 1,000 artists (update: new signatories have been added, the list now numbers almost 1,300 artists) have written to EU President Juncker asking him to close what is known as the “value gap” (see letter and list of artists here). Artists across the world are increasingly vocal about YouTube and other platforms “siphoning value”.

IMPALA STATEMENT ON BREXIT

Change is on the way that’s for sure, but one thing is clear. The UK music sector will remain a fundamental player in Europe, which of course goes beyond the EU and we will continue to work hard to ensure that Brexit doesn’t interfere with the ability of European citizens to continue to enjoy UK music and vice versa. Breaking borders is what our labels do with their artists on a daily basis and that will continue.

IMPALA WELCOMES CALL FROM EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARIANS TO CLOSE THE VALUE GAP

58 MEPs have signed a letter addressed to President Juncker calling on the European Commission to clarify the status of online services providing access to creative works.

MERLIN MEMBERSHIP SURVEY 2016: STREAMING REVENUES GO GLOBAL – ACCELERATING DIGITAL GROWTH FOR INDEPENDENT MUSIC

16th June, New York: – Speaking at A2IM’s Annual Meeting, Charles Caldas, CEO Merlin, the global digital rights agency for the independent label sector, has announced the results of Merlin’s 2016 member survey.

INDEPENDENT, YOUNG AND INSPIRING – MEET THIS MONTH’S 5-UNDER-15 FROM IMPALA

IMPALA’s Young Label Spotlight FIVEUNDERFIFTEEN is now in its third edition. In partnership with The Independent Echo and Midem, this feature continues the story of Europe’s most inspiring young labels.