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Industry veteran Bob Barbiere appointed EVP and General Manager of OpenPlay Reach to expand the coverage, features and functionality of the platform 

 

OpenPlay, the music industry's leading catalog management platform and business engine, announces a further expansion of its capabilities with the addition of OpenPlay Reach. The new service is designed to support the seamless end-to-end delivery, distribution, management and monetization of music and video assets. Industry veteran Bob Barbiere has joined OpenPlay as EVP and General Manager of OpenPlay Reach, bringing decades of expertise in music technology, distribution and rights management. 

OpenPlay Reach further advances OpenPlay's mission to provide labels and publishers with the industry's most advanced and complete music business engine. Reach not only seamlessly unifies the management of music and video for thousands of labels, the platform powers a completely new approach to how assets are distributed, tracked and monetized; particularly important with the increase in music and video services and rise of user-generated content. 

Labels and publishers currently managing millions of assets on OpenPlay can use Reach's advanced digital delivery system selecting the distribution option that fits their objectives best, at a label, artist or even individual release basis. This optionality makes OpenPlay Reach unique in the distribution space offering labels a choice of their own provider or OpenPlay's own direct DSP delivery program. This not only gives labels better control over their assets and data, it reduces costs while optimizing royalty margins and revenues.  

Edward Ginis, Co-Founder and Chief Client Officer of OpenPlay, said: "From our years working in music rights management, we at OpenPlay understood and anticipated the growing complexity of the digitized music industry early on, prompting us to develop a comprehensive solution from the ground up to unify music and video management, distribution and monetization.

"With the addition of OpenPlay Reach to our suite of services, we are progressing our vision to give rights owners the independence to take asset management decisions with complete control. Bob Barbiere's leadership will be key in driving this expansion forward and ensuring that content can be managed, delivered and monetized at scale." 

Barbiere is a recognized leader in music, rights and technology previously in executive roles at Dubset Media Holdings and Pex while also serving as an advisor and board member to companies and industry organizations including the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM), Sureel.ai, RoyaltyAmp, and Music Rightz.  He brings deep experience in licensing, digital distribution and rights administration, and as EVP and General Manager of OpenPlay Reach he will oversee strategic growth and global expansion. 

"OpenPlay has absolutely set the standard for music and video asset management and distribution, which is why I am excited to be joining Edward and his team at this inflection point in music," notes the EVP and General Manager of OpenPlay Reach, Bob Barbiere.  "Reach is both well-conceived and uniquely timed. Labels and publishers are not only trying to keep up with the growing use of their catalog and rapidly expanding number of consumer touch points, they are being fiscally challenged to get more accomplished with less. While OpenPlay now powers the back office of thousands of labels and publishers, it's been one of music's best kept secrets... but with the introduction of Reach, it will not be a secret much longer." 

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Ministry of Sound Undergoes Huge Renovation Ahead of 35th Anniversary Year

A new KV2 sound system, multi-dimensional light installation, and a fully redesigned dancefloor and DJ booth will be completed in January Ministry of Sound is set to undergo the most significant transformation since it opened in 1991. A complete reimagining of sound, space...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Nightlife Bosses Push Back: ‘It’s Not Just Pubs Under Threat’ Says NTIA

  Sector anger grows as government rhetoric suggests only pubs may receive business rates relief in today's media leak   Nightlife operators and cultural venue owners have pushed back against government and media suggestions that only pubs will benefit from upcoming business rates reductions. Industry...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Independent Venue Week 2026: January 26th - February 1st

IVW Artist Ambassadors’ Nova Twins, Brògeal and Eve Goodman announce exclusive live shows to celebrate the importance of independent venues Nova Twins play a hometown gig at London’s Amersham Arms on January 27th Brògeal perform two Scottish shows across the week at...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Bank on it: FreshTunes Expands Payment Options for Artists

FreshTunes, the label services platform for artists everywhere, is rolling out a new option for royalty payments worldwide. Starting in Q1 2026, artists anywhere in the world will be able to receive their payouts directly to their Visa or Mastercard...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

The European Festival Report 2025: Festivals Still Thriving Despite Rising Production Costs and Boycott Pressure

The European Festival Report is the essential annual guide to the continent’s popular music festival industry, offering insights into current challenges, priorities for 2025, and developments in health, safety, and sustainability. Published by IQ Magazine in partnership with YOUROPE, the...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Introducing Apple Music Integration for AlphaTheta’s CDJ-3000X

Apple Music has announced an update enabling Apple Music integration with AlphaTheta’s next-generation multi-player, the CDJ-3000X.With this update, the CDJ-3000X and its new StreamingDirectPlay feature give Apple Music subscribers access to over 100 million songs on Apple Music and the latest playlists on...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

ESNS The Key Exchange for Emerging New Music Is Gearing Up for Its 40th Edition

  ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), the key exchange for emerging European music talent is gearing up for its 40th edition, which will take place from 14th to 17th January 2026. The event has proven essential in breaking new acts into live music...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

SourceAudio Announces Long-Term AI Dataset Licensing Partnership with Native Instruments

Fully cleared audio dataset will advance next-generation creative tools for musicians   SourceAudio, the music industry's most widely adopted sync platform and leading music-rights platform for large-scale AI dataset licensing, today announced a new long-term partnership with Native Instruments, a global leader in...more

08 Jan 2026 | Press release

NTIA calls for transport investment alongside proposed drink drive limit changes

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “Road safety has to come first, and the night-time economy absolutely supports efforts to reduce harm and save lives. No venue, operator or community wants to see people injured or killed...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025

Music, video and games revenues up 7.1% to £13.3bn    Streaming services and retailers grew UK revenues from music, video and games by 7.1% in 2025 to a new all-time-record of £13,257.3m, according to interim annual figures published today (January 7) by...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Save the date: Record Store Day - 18 April 2026

Celebrating 19 years of independent record shops and vinyl culture in the UK Record Store Day (RSD) returns on Saturday 18 April 2026 for its 19th edition, celebrating independent record shops and the people who support them. More than 280 UK...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Soundstripe and PopArabia Launch First Sync Camp in Middle East

  Soundstripe, the premier music licensing platform, is collaborating with Abu Dhabi-based independent music company PopArabia to create a series of songwriting camps for MENA based artists and songwriters. The first camp, Soundstripe’s first outside of the US, took place this October in...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group to transform music experience for billions of fans with Nvidia AI

Leveraging NVIDIA AI infrastructure and drawing from the world’s leading music catalog comprising millions of culture-defining tracks, this collaboration aims to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement    Universal Music Group (EURONEXT: UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group appoints James Steven as EVP & Chief Communications Officer

  Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the appointment of James Steven as its Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer. Steven will be responsible for leading the company’s internal and external communications, and oversee the communications...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Warner Chappell Music strikes global publishing deal with Ziggy Alberts

Today, Warner Chappell Music expands its global roster with the signing of Australian singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts to a worldwide publishing deal. Signed through Warner Chappell Music Australia, the agreement will encompass Alberts’ complete catalogue and future works, with a close collaborative partnership alongside Warner Chappell Music Nashville to support...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

IRMA announcement of Ireland’s recorded music consumption data for 2025: “Homegrown talent surges in popularity, propelling another year of solid growth for Ireland’s recorded music market”

Homegrown talent surges in popularity, propelling another year of solid growth for Ireland's recorded music market  Releases from Fontaines DC, CMAT, Kingfishr, Amble, Hozier & Jazzy helped grow the Irish singles market by 7% and albums by 12% in 2025. Irish artists' market share...more

06 Jan 2026 | Press release

Italian annual official music charts 2025 celebrates Italian leadership

YOUNG ACT OLLY DOMINATES ALBUMS AND SINGLES, RAPPER CAPAREZZA TOPS THE PHYSICAL CHART Consumption, records and trends in the Italian music market in 2025 ALL THE CHARTS HERE     The soundtrack of 2025 in Italy is strongly dominated by local music: it’s the result...more

06 Jan 2026 | Press release

Superstition is crowned ‘Your Ultimate Stevie Wonder Song’ by BBC Radio 2 listeners

  BBC Radio 2 listeners have crowned Superstition as their ‘Ultimate Stevie Wonder Song’, following an audience vote from a long list of his 60 most played solo tracks on the station.   The song, taken from Stevie’s 15th studio album Talking Book, was a hit...more

02 Jan 2026 | Press release

Christmas break 2025 - News

News from the break will appeared here from 20 December to 4 January.Most stories have now been moved to the 5 January daily email. ————————————————————NEWS Kylie Minogue scooped the festive No1 single, beating Wham! to the top spot. (Mail, Sun) The vibrant pulse...more

31 Dec 2025 | Press release

New wave of global British breakthrough talent helps UK recorded music grow for 11th consecutive year

  UK recorded music consumption rises to 210 million albums, with over 200 billion audio streams generated for the first time and vinyl sales rising for an 18th consecutive year to keep physical formats in growth. British breakthrough artists including Olivia Dean, Lola...more

30 Dec 2025 | Press release

New Year's Honours list

OBEPhil Patterson, for services to Export and to the Music Industry. Karen Emanuel. Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Key Production Group, for services to Music. CBEComposer Max Richter, for services to Music. MBESinger Ellie Goulding, for services to biodiversity and the climate. Cynthia Erivo,...more

29 Dec 2025 | Press release

Karen Emanuel, Founder and CEO of Key Production Group, Awarded an OBE for Services to Music

    Karen Emanuel named in The King’s 2025 New Year’s Honours List, announced today Karen set up Key Production in 1990 - now the biggest physical music manufacturing agency in Europe, servicing the music industry A significant figure in improving gender imbalances within...more

20 Dec 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group and Roblox announce strategic agreement to expand creative and commercial music experiences on the platform for artists, labels and fans

Roblox will collaborate with UMG to introduce industry-leading integrations on the platform to music fans and Roblox users globally Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment and Roblox, an immersive gaming and creation platform, today announced a new strategic agreement...more

20 Dec 2025 | Press release

6 exceptional collaborative new music projects supported to tour across the UK and Republic of Ireland through PRS Foundation's Beyond Borders

  PRS Foundation, together with Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Arts Council of Ireland announce the UK and Ireland-based organisations, music groups and composers that will receive funding through the co-commissioning and touring programme Beyond Borders. The...more

19 Dec 2025 | Press release

PRS for Music and IPRS announce groundbreaking new licensing model to launch Apple Fitness+ in India

  PRS for Music and the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) have today announced a landmark new licensing model to support the launch of Apple Fitness+ in India. The new initiative marks a significant step forward in how digital music rights are...more

19 Dec 2025 | Press release

North East Music Leader Named On Influential Government Creative Council

  Generator CEO will sit among leading figures from film, TV, design and other creative sectors to champion regional music industry The leader of a North East headquartered music development organisation has been named on an influential Government-led body charged with developing...more

19 Dec 2025 | Press release

‘The Numbers No Longer Add Up’: Half of Night Time Venues Face 50%+ Business Rate Rises as 2026 Operating Costs Become Unsustainable

Britain’s nightclubs, live music venues, and late-night entertainment spaces are warning that 2026 will bring unsustainable operating costs, with nearly half of venues expecting business rates to rise by 50% or more, according to a flash poll of 345 nightlife business operators.  Rising rates...more

19 Dec 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group and Splice to Collaborate on the Next Generation of AI-powered Music Creation Tools for Artists

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, and Splice, the world's most popular music creation platform, have agreed to collaborate on joint exploration of the next generation of AI-powered music creation tools for musical artists. UMG and Splice are...more

18 Dec 2025 | Press release

Global Nightlife Leaders from Over 30 Countries Converge on Liverpool for Night Time Economy Summit 2026

  Liverpool will take centre stage in the global nightlife conversation as night-time economy leaders from more than 30 countries converge on the city for the Night-Time Economy Summit 2026, taking place on 11th and 12th February 2026.  Hosted at Blackstock Market, the two-day Summit...more

18 Dec 2025 | Press release

European Talent Exchange presents final results 2025

ESNS Alumni make international impact across festivals in 2025 European Talent Exchange proudly presents the final results of 2025, a year in which emerging European artists crossed borders at an exceptional pace. Throughout the year, the programme supported 352 shows by 150...more

09 Jan 2026

  • Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)

  • Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)

08 Jan 2026

  • Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)

07 Jan 2026

  • Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025 (see News)

  • UMG announces collaboration with NVIDIA to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement (see News)

06 Jan 2026

  • 2026 music industry predictions (see Features)

05 Jan 2026

  • New wave of global British breakthrough talent helps UK recorded music grow for 11th consecutive year (see News)

19 Dec 2025

  • What’s going to give you the marketing edge in 2026? (see Features)

18 Dec 2025

  • The global value of music copyright hits an all-time high (see Reports)

17 Dec 2025

  • The 'metamorphosis' of Atlantic Records (see Features)

16 Dec 2025

  • Looking ahead to 2026 (see Opinion)

  • Boost for artists in AI copyright battle as only 3% back UK active opt-out plan (see News)

15 Dec 2025

  • Music discovery: More channels, more problems (see Reports)