Emmanuel Legrand

Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) has reintroduced the Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026, a legislation designed to empower small independent artists and music creators by giving them the ability to collectively negotiate with both streaming platforms and generative artificial intelligence (AI) developers for fair compensation. First introduced in September 2023 and updated for the AI age, the bill, cosponsored by Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Lloyd Doggett (TX-35). aims at addre...

Canada's broadcast regulator, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), has modified rules applied large TV streaming services by tripling the share of revenues generated in Canada to be invested into local content. In 2024, the CRTC required online broadcasters to make a base contribution of 5% of their Canadian revenues to support the broadcasting system. As part of the implementation of the modernised Broadcasting Act (the Act), which requires the CRTC to mo...

Julie Swidler, Sony Music's Executive Vice President, Business Affairs and General Counsel, will leave at the end of June the company she has worked for since 2008. She will launch an advisory services company for creative-focused ventures. Ay Sony Music, she has overseen Business, Legal, and Governmental Affairs globally, advising Sony Music's record labels and operating units on strategic negotiations, talent agreements, litigation, transactions, and joint venture operations. "Swidler has help...

GESAC has re-elected SACEM's Deputy CEO David El Sayegh as President for another two-year term, following the Statutory General Assembly of the European rights societies' organisation in Brussels on May 28. Matteo Fedeli, CEO of Italy's society SIAE, has been elected as a new member of the Board. Fadeli takes the seat left vacant by José Jorge Letria, CEO of Portuguese society Sociedade Portuguesa de Autores (SPA), who did not seek re-election. He has served on the board since 2012.

The Board of Directors of Euronext Amsterdam-listed music company Universal Music Group has unanimously rejected the unsolicited and non-binding proposal from Pershing Square Capital Management to acquire the company in a $64 billion transaction. Pershing Square, the investment vehicle of billionaire Bill Ackman, made the proposal in April. in a deal combining cash and shares, as part of “a value creation plan designed to deliver significant benefits to UMG stakeholders.” Pershing Square said c...

On the eve of the June 4 General Assembly celebrating the organisation's centenary, the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) highlighted in its 2026 Annual Report progress towards regulating artificial intelligence in the past two years, as the technology's grip on society has accelerated. The report outlined "how CISAC and its global network of authors' societies responded to accelerating debates around AI and copyright, while advancing creator remuneration ...

These are the stories published by Creative Industries News these past weeks: COPYRIGHT & REGULATION> European Parliament's report calls for a specific strand for the music sector within the new AgoraEU programme> NO FAKES Act makes its way back in Congress courtesy of a bipartisan group of Senators and House Representatives> Commission launches consultation on the modernisation of EU's copyright framework (yes, it includes AI and the RAAP case)> Bill changing...

"Calling for prudence, rigorous evaluation and even, at times, a slower pace in adopting AI does not mean opposing progress; instead, it is an exercise of responsible care for the human family.

Sony Music Group, through its music publishing division Sony Music Publishing, has acquired the complete music rights portfolio of Recognition Music Group, formerly known as Hipgnosis, from funds managed by investment firm Blackstone. The deal, subject to customary closing conditions, is in partnership with the investment venture between GIC and Sony Music Group announced earlier this year. The venture is focused on acquiring and...

Digital music licensing organisation for independent companies Merlin has announced a series of promotions within its Membership team, in particular that of Jim Mahoney to the newly created position of Chief Membership Officer. Mahoney joined Merlin in 2014 and is credited for playing “a pivotal role” in establishing the organisation's North American operation. In his new role, he will focus on “Merlin's membership strategy, engagement, and development globally to ensure the organisati...