IFPI publishes Recording Industry in Numbers 2010
London, 28th April 2010
IFPI today publishes the Recording Industry in Numbers 2010 (RIN), providing a comprehensive picture of key trends of today's music business. Highlights include: • Global recorded music revenues declined 7% in 2009 • Some key markets saw a return to growth • Digital sales grew strongly in many markets • Piracy continued to erode legitimate music sales worldwide
Commenting on the new edition of the RIN, IFPI chairman and CEO John Kennedy says:
"The global music business is continuing to fight its corner, investing in talent and developing new business models despite the problems of a market rigged by piracy. Music companies are investing over US$5 billion a year in developing and marketing artists, licensing hundreds of services and adapting their distribution channels to meet changing consumer demand.
"Global music sales in 2009 fell by 7%. This is disappointing, but amid the decline there are some very positive points. No fewer than thirteen countries saw music sales grow in 2009, including important markets such as Australia, Brazil, South Korea, Sweden and the UK. Digital sales in some of those markets rose at very encouraging rates, reflecting the new opportunities of online and mobile channels. South Korea and Sweden in particular saw striking returns to growth, showing how an improved legal environment can help impact on legitimate music sales.
"Reducing piracy is critical if these improvements are going to translate into long term recovery for our global business. Here too there are encouraging developments. France and the UK, in particular, are leading the way with new legislation. There is a huge battle ahead, but also signs that the tide of opinion among governments is shifting as piracy's impact on the economy and jobs becomes clear. There is no doubt in my mind that growth is within reach for the music business - it depends, to a large extent, on how