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.
MY FUTURE AS AN AMATEUR FOOTBALL CLUB COACH BY NUNO SURAIVA, FOUNDER, SCL-LUSITANIAN LABEL GROUP
Nuno Saraiva has had a 30 year career in the music industry as an artist, songwriter, music publisher, record label, consultant, music exporter and project manager. He is founder of the SCL-Lusitanian Label Group in Portugal, and also a board member of IMPALA; ex-board member of EMEE; a publisher member of IMPF; Executive Director of independent music trade body AMAEI Portugal; and President of AEMI, the Portuguese independent music publishers’ association, He is a strong believer in independent music, diversity and equality, as well as conducting business in an open and fair fashion, he employs a humanist approach to music and to business and does not like greedy people, selfish people or bullies.
APAC UNITED IN MUSIC: STREGTHENING BRIDGES IN SOUTH KOREA AND CHINA
WIN travelled to Seoul and Shanghai from October 19-25 for a week of activities bringing together independent music leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. Through panels, meetings, presentations, and networking events, the trip strengthened ties between local businesses and regional associations, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving WIN’s APAC Alliance.
IMPALA WARNS OF RISKS TO CULTURAL DIVERSITY POSED BY UMG/DOWNTOWN DEAL
A crucial element in reviewing mergers in the music sector is what’s at stake for the ecosystem and cultural diversity. A new paper published by IMPALA predicts that the proposed UMG/Downtown acquisition carries significant risks for both the quantity and diversity of independent releases.
IMPALA’S FIFTH EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION REPORT:REAFFIRMINGCOMMITMENT TO A MORE INCLUSIVE MUSIC INDUSTRY
IMPALA has released its fifth Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Report, providing insights into its ongoing efforts in this area. Published on the anniversary of the organisation’s EDI Charter, the report is the result of work by IMPALA’s taskforce, which for the past year was co-chaired by Eva Karman Reinhold and Ben Wynter, and supported by advisor Keith Harris OBE.
EUROPE’S NEXT BIG SOUNDS: 15 NOMINEES REVEALED FOR THE MUSIC MOVES EUROPE AWARDS 2026
The highly anticipated Music Moves Europe Awards 2026 are excited to unveil the 15 outstanding artists nominated for this year’s awards. Representing the most exciting and innovative talent from across Europe, these artists are ready to make their mark on the international stage, showcasing fresh sounds and bold creativity.