The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has released its annual report for 2025-26, which marks two decades of representing the global independent music sector.
The special 20th anniversary report reflects recent developments across the organisation, as well as a retrospective of the defining moments that have shaped it since its 2006 launch.
It details WIN’s advocacy efforts over the past 12 months, including the organisation’s role in challenging the proposed acquisition of Downtown by Universal Music Group.
WIN has also continued to advance its 2024 Principles for generative AI, advocating for AI licensing frameworks built on consent, transparency and fairness. The organisation successfully opposed copyright exceptions in Australia, Chile and the UK, while supporting landmark licensing deals and expanding international collaboration through the JusticIA coalition.
Twenty years on, WIN stands as proof that independents, together, are far greater than the sum of their parts
Noemí Planas, WIN
Established by four founding associations in Australia, Europe, the UK, and the US, WIN now represents 40 trade associations across 46 territories and five continents.
“Looking back – not just over the past 12 months, but across the full 20 years – I cannot help but feel deeply proud of what we have accomplished together," said WIN CEO Noemí Planas. "Bringing together such a diverse group of organisations and people, spanning continents, cultures, and business models, is no small feat. Yet what strikes me most is how joined up and supportive of one another this community is.
"The independent sector may be atomised by nature, but it is precisely because of the structure our network provides that this becomes a strength rather than a weakness. Twenty years on, WIN stands as proof that independents, together, are far greater than the sum of their parts.”
Three new associations joined the WIN network this year: the Pakistani United Music Producer Association (PUMPA), Colombia’s Alianza de Discográficas Independientes (ALDISCO), and Ukrainian Music Companies Association (SPILNA) through its membership of IMPALA.
Meanwhile, in January, Mark Kitcatt, CEO of Spain's Everlasting Records was appointed WIN’s new chair. Two new vice-chair roles were created to strengthen regional representation, filled by Marty Ro (Sound Republica, South Korea) and Cecilia Crespo (ASIAr, Argentina), while Maria Amato (AIR, Australia) was re-elected treasurer.
WIN chair Mark Kitcatt added: “WIN and the other independent associations are afforded a privileged vantage point by their status as listening, rather than prescriptive associations for music producers of all sizes.
'The strength of this approach will see the size and influence of WIN continue to grow. Music and musicians need space, time and nurture – we will continue to work with all the many actors in the business who understand this art, and to resist the attempts to limit, to bind, to dominate, and to close off opportunity.”
The report – which includes contributions from A2IM CEO Ian Harrison, IMPALA executive char Helen Smith, Merlin's VP industry relations Dan Nevin, Merlin, Ruth Koleva, chair, ANMIP & founder of SoAlive Music Conference, and BMYD founder Engin Akinci – also highlights the continued growth of the WIN Supporters programme, the 10th anniversary of WINCON held in Bulgaria, and the ongoing expansion of WINHUB.
