Can you stand another study? Of course you can, it tells of how the music industry is shooting off it's own feet with a Tech-9! In this one, done by research group Mintel, they mention that the industries lament of illegal downloads is merely just a single facet of the crystal of doom for the Music Industry as we know it. Retail music sails are on track to drop by 2 billion dollars over the next few years, as music execs, slow to recognize consumers needs, continue to lash out at the public, which just happens to be their customer base...Ooops!
Music labels have a negative stigma to overcome, brought on by battles against illegal downloaders, radio "pay-for-play" scandals and homogeneous artist offerings on radio stations. The introduction of iTunes and similar sites has slowed the decay of music retail sales, but it has not stopped it. Even though technology is starting to work for the industry rather than against it, labels still face the challenge of meeting the demands of a diverse consumer marketplace. In an effort to keep up with the digital marketplace, industry leaders have marketed artists to sell single songs rather than complete albums. This new marketing strategy has contributed to the lack of strong up-and-coming musical talent in the marketplace that exhibit "staying power," such as legendary iconic artists like Prince, the Beatles, or U2. |
This study really does not pull any punches and it is really common knowledge to those that are on the outside looking in. We have to wonder why the music execs can't get with the program. At this point, you would think they would at least give up on DRM as it is as plain as the nose on your face that it is counter to todays culture and it's listening needs. In one fell swoop they could drop the expense of adding controls and possibly, they might pick up some additional sales along the way!
Source: Mi2n
