MPs to examine impact of streaming on future of music industry

Culture committee chair Julian Knight said it would investigate whether the business models used by major streaming platforms are fair to writers and performers

MPs are to investigate the impact that music streaming is having on artists, record labels and the sustainability of the music industry. The Commons digital, culture, media and sport select committee will examine the business models of major streaming companies such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Google Play to determine their fairness towards the writers and performers whose material populates the platforms.

Committee chair, MP Julian Knight, said it would look at whether “the economics of streaming could in future limit the range of artists and music that we’re all able to enjoy today”, describing the algorithms that promote music discovery on these platforms as a “blunt tool to operate in a creative industry with emerging talent risking failing the first hurdle”.

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