MOST SUCCESSFUL INDEPENDENT MUSIC IN EUROPE SO FAR IN 2012, NEW DOWNLOAD AND AIRPLAY CHARTS PUBLISHED BY NIELSEN AND IMPALA

Following on from last month’s launch of pan-European independent charts with the publication of the 2011 Top 20 for both radio airplay and digital downloads, IMPALA and Nielsen continue their partnership with the release of airplay and download charts for the first quarter of 2012.

INTERNATIONAL UNIONS COME OUT AGAINST EMI/UNIVERSAL MERGER

In the context of the American musicians’ unions coming out this week in support of the Universal/EMI deal, it is worth noting that the International Musicians Union FIM took a strong stance against the Universal/EMI merger more than a month ago

IMPALA OBJECTS TO EUROPEAN COMMISSION APPROVAL OF SONY/ATV’S ACQUISITION OF EMI PUBLISHING

The European Commission today announced that it has approved Sony/ATV’s attempt to purchase EMI’s publishing arm. This follows an extension of the initial Phase 1 investigation, during which Sony submitted and then revised an offer of remedies in a bid to deal with the problems cited by the European regulator, who said it had serious doubts about the merger.

PRIVATE COPYING REMUNERATION – NEW STUDY HIGHLIGHTS POSITIVE IMPACT

Removal of private copying remuneration would be detrimental not only to rightholders, but also to manufacturers and consumers, according to a new study published by Compass Lexecon.

MERLIN AGREES SETTLEMENT OF INFRINGEMENT CLAIM WITH SIRIUS

Merlin agrees settlement of infringement claim with Sirius.

IMPALA WELCOMES START OF MEDIATION PROCESS ON PRIVATE COPYING LEVIES

IMPALA welcomes the announcement by Antonio Vitorino of the launch of the mediation process on private copying.

MARY HONEYBALL MEP LEADS A DEBATE AT THE EP ON HOW TO GROW EUROPE’S CULTURAL SMES IN THE FACE OF INCREASING CONCENTRATION

British Labour MEP from London, Mary Honeyball, hosted a dinner in the Members’ Salon of the European Parliament Wednesday, 28 March 2012. This evening was an opportunity for key EU officials and parliamentarians, as well as EU member states’ representatives, to get a better understanding of the music sector and to exchange views on the experiences and challenges faced by of some of Europe’s most innovative entrepreneurs, and independent music companies.

EC REVEALS REASON FOR DETAILED UNIVERSAL/EMI INVESTIGATION: MARKET POWER CANNOT BE RESTRAINED BY CUSTOMERS, COMPETITORS OR PIRACY

Late Friday, the European Commission confirmed its decision to launch a detailed investigation into the acquisition of EMI recordings by Universal. This was expected, but the Commission’s statement sets out its reasons for taking this decision – information previously not available.

IMPALA WELCOMES REPORTS OF EUROPE RAISING SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT UNIVERSAL’S BID FOR EMI

As press reports circulate of findings of “serious doubts” during Europe’s initial market investigation into Universal’s proposed acquisition of its thriving competitor EMI, IMPALA welcomed the prospect of a detailed second stage investigation. This is expected to commence when the phase one deadline expires on 23rd March. It is understood that customers and other actors raised the red flag, as well as competitors such as independent music companies.

IMPALA AND NIELSEN MUSIC LAUNCH NEW PAN-EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT MUSIC CHARTS

For the first time ever, the success of independent music is being monitored with dedicated pan-European charts. Produced by Nielsen Music for IMPALA, these unique charts are based on digital downloads and radio airplay across Europe.