Quantcast

STREAMING UNDER (FURTHER) SCRUTINY

The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is launching a market study into music streaming, which will see it scrutinize whether competition within the sector is “working well.”

The move follows a recommendation by the government that the CMA conduct a study on the economic impact of major music groups’ dominance following the damning report on music streaming released in July.

Market studies are a tool the CMA uses to identify—and, if appropriate, consider how best to approach—competition and consumer issues. It will examine why particular markets may not be working well for consumers and may lead to a range of outcomes, including:

  • Making recommendations to change regulations or public policy
  • Encouraging businesses in the market to self-regulate (which is what label trade body BPI has argued for)
  • Taking consumer- or competition-law-enforcement action against firms
  • Making a reference for a more in-depth (phase 2) market investigation
  • Conclude a “clean bill of health”

Andrea Coscelli, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “We want to do everything we can to ensure that this sector is competitive, thriving and works in the interests of music lovers. Over the past decade, the music industry has evolved almost beyond recognition, with streaming now accounting for more than 80% of all music listened to in this country. A market study will help us to understand these radical changes and build a view as to whether competition in this sector is working well or whether further action needs to be taken.”

NEAR TRUTHS:
SPRING BLOOMS
Here come the big guns. (3/29a)
THE COUNT: COLDPLAY IS HOT, COUNTRY'S COOKIN' IN THE U.K.
The latest tidbits from the bustling live sector (3/29a)
CITY OF HOPE TAPS MARCIANO FOR TOP HONOR
This year's philanthropic model (3/28a)
TRUST IN THE TOP 20
Hip-hop is no longer hibernating. (3/27a)
UMG BROADENS SPOTIFY OFFERINGS
Sir Lucian and Daniel are in harmony. (3/28a)
THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
 Email

 First Name

 Last Name

 Company

 Country
CAPTCHA code
Captcha: (type the characters above)