WIN launches BRIDGE initiative to strengthen the independents’ position in the digital ecosystem across markets

• Global initiative to empower independent music sectors across APAC, LATAM, and WANA regions. 
• Aims to bridge the digital gap through targeted resources, knowledge sharing, and regional collaboration.

Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has announced the launch of BRIDGE, an ambitious new project designed to close the digital gap for independent music professionals across 13 markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and West Asia/North Africa. 

Running through December 2025, BRIDGE will deliver targeted resources, capacity building activities, and networking opportunities to help independent music professionals in these regions navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape and unlock sustainable growth. Core components of the project include market analyses, regional gatherings and webinars, and best practices toolkits. A steering committee made up of representatives from each region will oversee strategic implementation. 

The digital transformation of the music industry presents both tremendous opportunities and significant challenges for independent music communities, particularly in emerging markets. Through BRIDGE, we aim to build stronger regional networks and equip independent music professionals with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in today’s digital ecosystem.
Noemí Planas, WIN CEO

BRIDGE will kick off with a series of high-impact events to promote regional collaboration and knowledge sharing. The first gathering will be an in-person meeting of WIN’s Red LatAm at BIME Bogotá (Colombia) on May 6, followed by an online meeting of the APAC Alliance, WIN’s regional group for Asia-Pacific, on May 13. In the second part of the year, BRIDGE will mark a historic milestone with the first-ever meeting of the WANA Network, bringing together independent music professionals from Maghreb, Middle East, Turkey, and Arabic countries. 

I look forward to providing help and know-how to WIN’s worldwide efforts of developing new regions including North Africa, Middle East and West Asia. This new initiative to invest in local research, as well as helping organize regional meetings and other activities, is a crucial step further for the development of independent music in different parts of the world and I am delighted to be part of this new mission.
Engin Akinci, Vice Chairman of the BMYD board

IMCJ is proud to contribute to the BRIDGE project as Japan transitions into the digital age of music. By addressing the digital gap through this project, we will become better positioned to help our members tackle challenges like low streaming revenues. BRIDGE will strengthen Japanese and Asian rights holders’ ability to form long-standing and meaningful international partnerships.
Brendan Gaffney, Global Marketing Committee Secretariat at IMCJ

Activities to equip professionals in these regions with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape will include participation in high-level industry conferences and the organization of webinars. On June 30, WIN CEO Noemí Planas, ABMI VP James Lima and Merlin board member Carlos Mills will speak at the panel “The Majors in Control: The Consolidation of the Independent Music Market” hosted in Rio2C (Brazil). WIN members will join events in Japan, Canada, and Chile, among others, to discuss how independents can take advantage of new technologies, with activities to be announced during the year. A series of specialized regional webinars will also be organized focusing on improving digital knowledge, including licensing strategies and digital distribution best practices.

Another objective of BRIDGE is to create and share resources tailored to regional needs. Country sheets, directories, and reports will be produced to identify key players and understand the digital landscape, trends, and challenges within each region. A repository of resources and a toolkit for sharing best practices will also be launched as part of the project. 

As digital platforms reshape how music is distributed and consumed globally, independent music professionals in our regions face unique challenges ranging from licensing complexities to market access barriers. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across diverse markets, BRIDGE will help build more resilient independent music communities equipped to navigate digital transformation.
Francisca Sandoval, President of IMICHILE

Throughout the project, WIN will collaborate with local trade associations ABMI (Brazil), ASIAr (Argentina), IMICHILE (Chile), AMI PY (Paraguay), IMCJ (Japan), LIAK (South Korea), SIMCA (India), BMYD (Turkey) and other organizations to ensure activities address region-specific needs and priorities.