WIN Annual Report Celebrates a Strong and United Independent Music Community

19 August 2025 - Press release

 

• More than 500 professionals from 46 countries connected through flagship initiatives WINCON and WINHUB and new project BRIDGE.

• Promoting a competitive marketplace, fair AI development, and a level playing field in streaming as key priorities.  

Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), the international network that brings together 37 independent music trade associations operating in 43 territories, has released its 2024-25 Annual Report. The report provides an overview of the activities carried out by the organization from July 2024 to June 2025, highlighting progress in supporting, developing and further connecting the independent community. 

WIN continued to connect trade associations, companies, and professionals around the world through its flagship projects, such as the WINHUB international networking events in Sofia, New York, and online, and the annual WINCON conference that took place in Belgrade. WIN also partnered with IMPALA to collaborate under its new EU co-funded program, with the aim of strengthening cross-border cooperation. Together, these events brought together over 500 independent music businesses and associations from 46 countries. 

Cross-regional collaboration and association-building initiatives focused on Asia and West Asia/North Africa, along with ongoing work in Latin America. This year, WIN made its first official trips to South Korea, Taiwan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and India. This work has been reinforced by the launch of BRIDGE, a new initiative aimed at closing the digital gap in emerging markets.

A key highlight this year was the global response to excessive consolidation in the music market. Alongside its members, WIN called on competition authorities to investigate and block the acquisition of Downtown by UMG. Additional focus areas included ensuring fairness and respect for creators in the development of AI, securing a level playing field in the streaming economy, and advocating for more efficient and standardized performance rights management.

The report also spotlights new resources launched this year, including spotlights on sustainability and EDI, and a landmark study on the digital value chain in Latin America, which underscores the pivotal role record labels play in driving artist success.

"This year's achievements demonstrate the power of independents when we unite globally. By connecting, supporting, and further developing the network, WIN is building capacity for our sector to respond to the challenges ahead. Our expanded presence in emerging markets, combined with our work on responsible AI development, a fairer streaming remuneration, and excessive market consolidation, shows that the independent community is stronger than ever in defending what makes music truly diverse and competitive,” said Noemí Planas, WIN CEO.

“It’s been an exceptionally productive year for WIN, as the secretariat have successfully managed global network priorities with local development. This dual approach ensures that we are now more prepared as a community for the challenges of tomorrow,” added Zena White, WIN Chair.

The WIN Annual Report 2024-25 is available for download here.