1. Illegal downloading and
copyright – The Music Industry
Panorama programme questions and
discussion points.

2. What problems or opportunities does
new media technology pose for:
Record labels? Artists? Consumers/users?
Signing fewer artists as have Less revenue/money from Consequences of illegal
less money to invest/do not music sales because of illegal downloading - e.g. taken to
want to take risks downloading. court
Problems
Less money from record More competition because of Wrongly blamed for illegal
sales because of changing more access to music online downloading - i.e. victim of
consumer behaviour hacking.
More competition from Difficult to produce new music Record labels supporting less
independent labels or artists without money/record label variety - access to limited
using online marketing. support range of music.
Another way to promote artists Artists can get funding for Free, quick and easy access
production or distribution via to a wider range of music than
Opportunities
crowdfunding ever before
Another way to find new D.I.Y - do they need a record Can interact with artists and
artists. label? They can self produce, other fans.
distribute, publish
Another way to target Useful tools for promotion and Can promote music they like
audiences - niche marketing collaboration through sharing on social
networks.

3. Responses to the programme
• Responses on BBC website to Panorama
programme

4. Other than restricting internet access,
what alternative solutions are there to try
and respond to illegal downloading?
Make music cheaper. E.g. At the moment
on iTunes it costs 99p for a single and
about £8/9 for an album. Educate consumers - some people do not
think that what they are doing is illegal/wrong.
Subscription services. Monthly amount for
access to music library for streaming.
Focus on other revenue streams i.e. live music,
tours, merchandise.

5. What can you find out about the current
situation or debates surrounding the
Digital Economy Act?
• Recent news on the Digital Economy Act