Music streaming market facing competition inquiry
The Competition and Markets Authority has said it will carry out a market study of the sector.
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Your support makes all the difference.The UK’s competition watchdog is to launch an inquiry into the music streaming market and whether it is competitive and fair.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed it plans to begin a market study into the sector amid concerns over the rise of streaming as the dominant force in the industry and its impact on artists and music listeners.
The CMA market study will be a fact-finding investigation to identify and consider how best to tackle any competition and consumer issues uncovered.
CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli said: “The UK has a love affair with music and is home to many of the world’s most popular artists. 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.”
Last month, the Government referred the issue to the CMA following recommendations from MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee in the wake of its inquiry into music streaming.
In its report on the economics of streaming, it warned that “pitiful returns” from the current system are affecting the “entire creative ecosystem”, and also raised “deep concerns” about the position of the major music companies in the market.
In response, the CMA has now said it will prioritise the launching of its market study in light of the concerns expressed by MPs and their report.
That the CMA has made this a priority is a big result for the DCMS Committee, endorsing one of the key recommendations of our inquiry into music streaming
DCMS Committee chairman Julian Knight said: “We welcome the decision by the CMA to urgently carry out a competition inquiry into music streaming and the dominance of the major music groups.
“That the CMA has made this a priority is a big result for the DCMS Committee, endorsing one of the key recommendations of our inquiry into music streaming.
“Our investigation exposed fundamental problems within the structure of the music industry itself. This action marks a key step forward.”