Independent music companies the world over have a new online focus thanks to the launch today of www.merlinnetwork.org , the official website of Merlin, the world’s first global rights body for independents.

The site provides a full account of Merlin’s aims, operational scope and remit of providing access to and protecting the global independent sector, and will list news on all Merlin’s latest deals, negotiations and announcements.

Membership criteria and details on how to join are also provided, which will finally make it possible for independents the world over to participate, on proper commercial terms, in revenues from new and emerging media services.

The website is already available in English, French and Spanish, with German and Portuguese versions set to launch in the near future. This not only reflects the truly global nature of the operation, but also underlines Merlin’s commitment to ensuring better access to emerging services for all independents, regardless of their location or new media expertise.

Said Merlin CEO Charles Caldas “The formation of a body than can properly and effectively represent a global constituency has been a complex and challenging enterprise. We have succeeded though, and the launch of our multilingual website, which will be a key tool for our global communications, is another major step towards the imminent commencement of our full operation.“

Merlin is currently in the process of finalising its regulatory obligations and preparing mandates, which will enable independents to appoint Merlin to act on their behalf in forthcoming activities.  These letters will be distributed by national and regional trade bodies around the world.

 

AIRCO is a Member of Merlin, with AIRCO Broadcast Committee member Clive Hardwick sitting on Merlin's Board as one of 5 Rest Of The World Members