World music sales up for first time since 1999

The record industry has turned around after 13 years of decline.  Global record sales grew 0.3% in 2012 by value, says the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

A small growth but at least growth.  Sales of digital products are up 9% on 2011.

Strategy

The global industry has adopted the strategy of:

  • Attacking the unlicensed sites where it can;
  • Focusing on the growth of digital;
  • Going for subscriptions; and
  • Expanding into new markets.

In 2012 the major subscription services were in over 100 national markets, up from 23 in 2011.

This boosted subscription services: there are now 20 million subscribers, up 44% in the year.

Heavy lobbying to come

But 32% of internet users still download from unlicensed sites, says IFPI.  We can expect another campaign against them with heavy lobbying of governments and search-engine providers.

It’s your last chance to enter this month’s picture-caption competition.  Go on and win a free e-learning course.

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