Schmiggy_JK23
05-08-2003, 01:40 PM
Anti RIAA article (http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=9380)
great article over at one of the premier tech news sites online... some interesting facts...
The drop in music units is interesting but is caused in part by a drop in the number of CD singles and cassettes being shipped. That the total dollar value of music sales was down by 4.1% in 2001 and 8.2% in 2002 should come as no surprise to anyone, not even the RIAA. The economy is down and people are more reluctant to part with their money, especially on items that are not essentials.
The increase in CD price has been significantly higher than inflation in the last two years. The reduction in shipments of CD singles and cassettes has taken away the low-cost options and we have seen an average price for a music unit rise from $12.57 in 1999 to $14.67 in 2002. Given these factors it is not surprising that CD sales to those on a low income (eg. age group 10 to 19) have fallen away.
Another major factor in the drop in music sales has probably been the actions of Clear Channel -- as it has built up a dominant, almost monopolistic, radio network across the USA. Clear Channel really took advantage of a 1996 decision to remove the 40-station cap on radio station ownership and by February 2002 it owned more than 1200 radio stations, with its nearest rival owning only about 205.
a great read for all who feel "piracy, and downloads" are screwing the RIAA over... lots of hard figures, numbers, and charts,
great article over at one of the premier tech news sites online... some interesting facts...
The drop in music units is interesting but is caused in part by a drop in the number of CD singles and cassettes being shipped. That the total dollar value of music sales was down by 4.1% in 2001 and 8.2% in 2002 should come as no surprise to anyone, not even the RIAA. The economy is down and people are more reluctant to part with their money, especially on items that are not essentials.
The increase in CD price has been significantly higher than inflation in the last two years. The reduction in shipments of CD singles and cassettes has taken away the low-cost options and we have seen an average price for a music unit rise from $12.57 in 1999 to $14.67 in 2002. Given these factors it is not surprising that CD sales to those on a low income (eg. age group 10 to 19) have fallen away.
Another major factor in the drop in music sales has probably been the actions of Clear Channel -- as it has built up a dominant, almost monopolistic, radio network across the USA. Clear Channel really took advantage of a 1996 decision to remove the 40-station cap on radio station ownership and by February 2002 it owned more than 1200 radio stations, with its nearest rival owning only about 205.
a great read for all who feel "piracy, and downloads" are screwing the RIAA over... lots of hard figures, numbers, and charts,