IMPALA’S STRATEGIC PRIMER #9 (BANDCAMP) Q&A SESSION (03/12)
IMPALA’s Strategic Primers’ project with Music Ally (supported by Merlin) is all about maximising streaming opportunities for independents. Our Primer #9 on Bandcamp is now out. Join us on 3rd December for a Q&A session with Music Ally.
IMPALA RESPONDS TO NEWS THAT THE EC WILL ISSUE A FORMAL OBJECTION TO UMG’S PROPOSED DOWNTOWN ACQUISITION
Today, IMPALA issued a short statement below in response to the news that the European Commission will proceed to the next step in its investigation of UMG’s proposed acquisition of Downtown by issuing a set of formal objections:
AI – MAKE SURE YOUR RIGHTS ARE RESERVED!
We want to stress again the importance for all IMPALA members of making sure their rights are reserved in the context of AI training/machine learning.
UMG’s MEGA-ACQUISTION THREATENS MUSICAL DIVERSITY – WITHOUT COMPETITION, THE FREE MARKET BECOMES A MONOPOLY
Eva Karman Reinhold, chairwoman of the Swedish Independent Music Producers (SOM) and board member of IMPALA, writes in a debate post.
CHARLIE LEXTON APPOINTED CEO OF MERLIN
Merlin, the digital rights agency for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, today announced the appointment of Charlie Lexton as its CEO, effective 1 January 2026.
CULTURAL AND CREATIVE SECTORS FROM THE EU AND UK PUBLISH JOINT POLICY RECOMMEDNATION TO STRENGTHEN EU-UK RELATIONS
The Cultural and Creative Sectors (CCS) are vital to EU–UK political, social, and economic relations, driving innovation, sustainability, wellbeing, and prosperity through cross-border collaboration.
IMPALA URGES SHARED CLIMATE ACTION AND FAIR ACCESS TO TRANSITION PATHWAYS AHEAD OF COP30
Ahead of next week’s COP30 in Brazil, IMPALA calls on the independent music sector and governments alike to prioritise collective climate action, embed culture into climate policy, and ensure a level playing field in the transition to a low-carbon future.
UMG/DOWNTOWN – COMMENTS FROM AIM CHAIR, RUTH BARLOW
AIM Chair Ruth Barlow has issued a statement on UMG’s proposed acquisition of Downtown, stating AIM does not support the deal due to concerns around further consolidation, competition risk and potential negative impacts on independent music infrastructure and data flows.
IMPALA ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD IN ZAGREB, HOLDS FIRST EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT MUSIC SUMMIT
IMPALA elected a new board and set its priorities for the next two years at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Zagreb yesterday. The meeting was hosted as part of RUNDA Digital Day, RUNDA Adria’s annual conference supported by Merlin, which was represented by Shrina Patel, Merlin’s Senior Director of Business Affairs and Licensing.
VALUE OF TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND MEANING OF INDEPENDENCE AT THE HEAR OF WINCON 2025
WINCON 2025 took place in Sofia, Bulgaria, during the third edition of the SoAlive Music Conference (SAMC), celebrating the 10th anniversary of WIN’s flagship event.