Welcome to IN FOCUS, a series presented by Downtown, exploring the ideas shaping the future of music and technology. 

Each episode spotlights a key theme and features short, candid conversations between our team and our clients or partners – deep diving into the questions, trends, and insights driving change across the industry. We share key takeaways from each conversation to help shed light on different areas of the music business and spark new ways of thinking about its future.

Episode seventeen sees Darren Owen, COO, FUGA, in conversation with Michael Lewan, Executive Director of Music Fights Fraud Alliance. Together, they explore the vital work of the MFFA in tackling streaming fraud and how the global music industry can align as a united front to combat it.

Key takeaways:

• Why streaming fraud poses a serious threat to artists, revenues, and trust in the ecosystem
• The role of Music Fights Fraud Alliance in uniting the industry against bad actors
• How collaboration between DSPs, distributors, and rightsholders strengthens fraud prevention
• Why education and awareness are key to reducing unintentional and intentional fraud
• How a unified, global approach is essential to safeguarding the future of music

You can find all episodes of IN FOCUS on Downtown’s YouTube channel. IN FOCUS is also available as a podcast.