SOM

📣 IMPALA kicks off #EuropeanDiversityMonth with the launch of our new survey on equity, diversity and inclusion in the independent music sector. The aim is to provide insight into how the independent music sector deals with EDI issues, highlighting challenges and best practices.

Ireland changes broadcast rules temporarily, EC expected to clarify EU law. IMPALA calls on EC to speed up & notes Irish Minister Burke says: “I understand.. a legislative proposal is being prepared... we hope it will be published by early 2027” More👉 tinyurl.com/ms48spfx

🇪🇺IMPALA is speaking at the European Parliament’s Stakeholders’ Meeting on establishing the ‘AgoraEU’ programme (2028-2034), hosted in the framework of the report on the proposal for a regulation, led by Co-Rapporteurs MEP @EmmaRafowicz & MEP Alice Kuhnke.

Today, we are releasing a statement as IMPALA sets its 25th anniversary priorities in Madrid to build on the business case for growing the independent sector and recognises Helen Smith for her outstanding contribution on International Women’s Day. More 👉 tinyurl.com/4crs3uuu

🇪🇺 IMPALA comments on European Parliament report on copyright and generative AI, calls for the recognition of human artistry and diversity into AI frameworks. Read our statement here: lnkd.in/ePq6gvmR

🏆 Congratulations to IMPALA Executive Chair Helen Smith on being included in @billboard Pro’s Global Power Players list. Read the statement: billboard.com/pro/billboard-…

🇸🇪🇫🇮🇪🇺IMPALA Label Camp, co-funded by the EU — Sweden x Finland Edition kicks off tomorrow in Helsinki at the Hobo Hotel. IMPALA, Indieco ry & @indieSOM unite local independent labels for a full day of peer learning, panels, workshops & Nordic insights. See the participant below!

Faces of the Independent Sector Interview #1 🎉As part of IMPALA’s 25th anniversary, we spotlight Shrina Patel (@merlinnetwork) on independence, digital opportunities, fair value & musical diversity. 🇪🇺Co-funded by the European Union. ℹ️👉 tinyurl.com/236cszus

🎉 25 moments that defined 2025 as IMPALA celebrates 25 years 🎬 From EU Network projects to policy & on-the-ground work, making political & cultural impact 🇪🇺🎶 Thanks to our members & partners @merlinnetwork @winformusic & Murmur 🤝 Here’s to the work ahead 🚀

Check out this article in Radar Magazine with Ben Homewood of @Music Week and IMPALA Executive Chair, Helen Smith. They caught up at the of 2024 on the main topics facing IMPALA and the independent music sector in the coming year. Full interview here 👉 tinyurl.com/36z8j8t8

Time to stand up for culture - Ahead of its keynote at Eurosonic, IMPALA sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector Read the full statement here 👉tinyurl.com/443buzbr

🦌🎉IMPALA turns 25! To mark our anniversary, we launch #FacesoftheIndependentSector to spotlight owners, employees & key players driving Europe’s diverse independent music ecosystem. 🚨Discover monthly stories from December onwards 🇪🇺Co-funded by the EU 👉tinyurl.com/ykcs6zck

🏆 👏 Congrats to all winners of IMPALA’s revamped Outstanding Contribution Award, co-funded by the EU. 💪 The first announcement honours women who have played a key role in IMPALA’s work on EDI and sustainability. Full statement/list of winners 👉 lnkd.in/eZMCkBEH

📢IMPALA welcomes EC’s initial finding that UMG’s bid for Downtown raises serious concerns. 🚫The deal should be prohibited outright. 🔍This is not just about Curve, and it's not just about data. All concerns must be addressed. Statement👉tinyurl.com/cpst6tm7

IMPALA elected a new board and set its priorities at its AGM in Zagreb during RUNDA Digital Day. 💡 Key focuses: growth in South & Central Eastern Europe, access to finance, AI, streaming reform, sustainability & diversity. 🇪🇺 Full statement here 👉 tinyurl.com/4fr64x5n

⚠️ IMPALA and @winformusic are launching a new EU co-funded networking programme with WINHUB events 🌐 This new initiative aims to foster practical cross-border relationships and collaboration between Europe and the rest of the world 🌍 More information: bit.ly/3DQesYq

⚖️ Important AI ruling in Germany: -OpenAI found to infringe copyright w/ training & operation of ChatGPT -OpenAI must acquire licences in advance for use of copyright works GEMA’s press release 👉 tinyurl.com/5f8cymtb

🚨 Today, IMPALA released a short statement responding to the news in the press that the EC will proceed to the next step in its investigation of UMG's proposed acquisition of Downtown by issuing a set of formal objections Read the full statement here: tinyurl.com/4mshx773

🚨 @dariusjagjag, (@jagjaguwar/@SecretlyGroup) owns a thought-provoking piece “The Struggle For Independence In The Modern Age", highlighting Secretly's experience & concentration across the music ecosystem & why UMG/Downtown should be stopped Op-ed 👉 tinyurl.com/yc5757by

⚠️IMPALA welcomes new Ukrainian trade association member, SPILNA, and launches a new scheme for young associations to provide network development & capacity development services, co-funded by the EU & kicking off in Ukraine & Bulgaria 🥳 Statement 👉 bit.ly/4i7nPm8