Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Buyers to benefit from back-catalogue battles

David Lister
Thursday 23 June 1994 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

THE PUSH for cheaper compact discs will continue despite yesterday's ruling. Two recent initiatives in the music industry make this certain, writes David Lister.

Firstly, Woolworths has bought up back-catalogue material of people like Abba and Jimi Hendrix and is selling them for under pounds 10.

As different record chains begin to compete and buy up old material, there will be a likely price war.

The second factor is the link-up between the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the independent record company, Tring, to produce 125 classical albums with top class conductors at under pounds 4.

Paul Findlay, managing director of the RPO, said yesterday: 'This is a challenge to the big record companies. Why are you charging so much for your compact discs when we are showing that they can really be produced for a very low price?'

Michael Infante, head of product development at Tring, said: 'Part of the secret is that we sell in non- traditional outlets such as Tescos, garage forecourts and Happy Eaters. Admittedly we do not have to break new acts we deal with evergreen artists. But on the other hand the big record companies have big back catalogues yet they often charge full price for them. Why are The Beatles' CDs full price when all the development costs were paid off years ago?'

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in