25ThingsToKnow

What IMPALA has achieved in 25 milestones: 

1. Plays a key role immediately when formed to help decision makers understand the impact of consolidation, with first EMI/Warner deal withdrawn because of EU objections (see here) (2001).
2. Negotiates two landmark agreements with key online players – Napster, when was the world’s second most recognised brand (see here), and iTunes (see here) (2001 and 2002).
3. Wins landmark court case on Sony/BMG merger clearance (see here) establishing standing in merger cases and rights of associations like IMPALA and fact that there is no presumption in favour of merging parties (2006).
4. World’s first merger remedy package negotiated with WMG to rebalance the market in the face of increasing concentration (2007).
5. Helps create key international structures for the sector, Merlin, the global digital rights agency for the world’s independent label sector and also WIN, the worldwide network of independent associations (2007 & 2006).
6. Publishes collecting society principles in 2010 code to accompany work by IMPALA to grow revenues for the sector in public performance and broadcasting, urges EC to clarify loophole, stop flow of revenues outside of Europe and use trade pressure to raise maximum protection globally in countries that don’t have these rights (2020 onwards).
7. Launches independent Album of the Year Award (2010), followed by 100 Artists to Watch with YouTube (2021), Outstanding Contribution Award, sales awards and other campaigns to promote storytelling such as Faces of the Independent sector and 20MinutesWith podcast series.
8. Biggest ever set of merger remedies secured following IMPALA’s complaint – Universal ordered to divest two thirds of EMI and respect 10 year scrutiny of digital deals and other behavioural undertakings (2012).
9. Concludes agreement with Merlin and Warner Music Group on divestments to strengthen the independent sector, ultimately completing in 2017 (2013).
10. Helps develop industry commitment to Fair Digital Deals Declaration via WIN, two thirds of labels signing are European (2014), continues engagement in IMPALA’s streaming plans, recommending modern digital royalty rates (2021, 2023).
11. Competition rules help IMPALA flag issues in licensing practices complaint leading to commercial resolution with Merlin securing deal on user generated and other material (2014).
12. Helps sector communicate its views on discriminatory remuneration practices with a united stance in Europe and across the world, improving terms for all labels, including the majors (2015).
13. Network development work leads to geographic expansion in Balkans and Adria region leading to establishment of RUNDA) and new focus on Brexit work to ensure that the independent music companies’ voice was heard (2016 & 2017 and continuing today…).
14. Prioritises finance with independent sector’s first action plan in 2010, first loan EU guarantee scheme for cultural and creative sectors (2014), helps secure first European programme dedicated to music (2018) and top up for culture in EU budget (2020), associates with beatBread on Global Independence Fund with other independent organisations, launches new report for 2026.
15. Acknowledges the climate emergency, supports Music Declares Emergency (2019), sets up first sector wide programme with targets (2020), first label specific carbon calculator (2021), charter, practical tips, business case for taking action, Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund with Merlin (2025), supports climate charity Murmur and participates in Music Climate Pact.
16. Helps raise level of copyright protection in Europe and globally, winning historic vote in the European parliament to adopt a new copyright directive to address the value gap (2019).
17. Makes key link with diversity and market access as set out in the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions which introduced a new principle of fair and equitable access in 2005, subsequently referred to in the key competition decisions in the music sector such as EMI/UMG and celebrated 20 years later in the European Parliament.
18. Took on key role in driving the sector’s agenda during COVID with crisis plan, mapping tool and recovery package, helping culture to be recognised as one of Europe’s fourteen priority sectors for recovery (2020).
19. Launches Europe-wide equity, diversity and inclusion programme with charter setting out commitments for the European independent sector (2020), first survey of sector trends, annual reports, Changemaker Award, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Toolkit combining self‑assessment, training modules and a sector survey (2020 onwards).
20. Sets up digital intelligence facility to empower independent music companies in the digital age – One Step Ahead (2020) followed by other projects such as Strategic Primers, Digital Forward (2025).
21. Leads independent sector’s push for streaming reform, with ten-point streaming plan, opposes TikTok’s attempt to boycott Merlin,  calls for end to “value gaps” and address streaming allocation reforms on other digital services, commissions report on the impact of a possible two-tier system involving the allocation of revenues.
22. Plays key role on AI issues in Europe – EU AI Act adopted, world’s first framework supporting effective transparency and record keeping (2024), calls for joined-up approach internationally on GenAI (2024), supports Human Artistry Campaign (2024), joins #StayTrueToTheAct campaign to call on the EU to uphold principles of transparency, consent and protection of creators concerning the AI Act (2025), advises members on how to confirm their rights are revised.
23. Steps up as recognised EU cultural network, with a new co-funded work programme, holds first European Independent Music Summit in Zagreb (2025).
24. Commissions a report assessing the strategic importance of a culturally diverse and independent European music ecosystem, by Dan Fowler (2026).
25. Secures detailed investigation by EC into UMG’s acquisition of Downtown and structural remedies, highlights key conclusions for competition, cultural diversity and independent distribution (2026).