Lobbying and Campaigning

AIM acts as a voice for the independent sector to government and within the wider industry, championing the issues that matter to indies and ensuring indies are treated fairly by commercial partners.

Representing a body of over 800 small companies, AIM has the collective strength to act as a 'fifth major'.  AIM, therefore, lobbies government on the key issues affecting independents, and contributes to industry consultations as a member of UK Music, the body representing the interests of the UK music industry to government.

In the commercial world, small companies are often offered poorer deals than the major labels.  AIM's collective strength allows us to negotiate and campaign on behalf of the independent sector to ensure independents get fair deals from commercial partners.  We also work to get good access to media for our members.  In the past we have negotiated and campaigned on behalf of the sector with iTunes, the BBC, MTV and numerous others, resulting in significant extra revenue for our members.

We currently have an ongoing dialogue with BBC radio, to ensure independents have good access to the Radio 1 and radio 2 playlists, something which was highlighted as a key concern by members at our 2009 AGM.