CD slump hits music industry

LONDON, UK (BBC) - The global slump in CD sales gathered pace in 2002, music industry figures have revealed. Sales dropped by 7% around the world last year after a 5% dip in 2001, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

The industry's inability to beat what it has labelled internet pirates and the "massive proliferation" of CD copying have been blamed, as well as economic uncertainty and competition from other forms of entertainment.

The Unites States suffered a 10% drop in album sales, mainly because fans were getting the music from the internet instead, the IFPI said.

Major releases are not selling in the huge numbers they once did, although a few albums, such as 50 Cent's, are still selling in their multi-millions.

Western Europe fared "relatively well", with France continuing to buck the global downward trend, the figures showed.
In the UK, a 3% drop ended five years of growth. "This year's figures hold no surprises," IFPI chairman Jay Berman said.
"Widespread use of illegal sites, made easier with the growth of broadband access in the major markets, is affecting an industry that is also having to compete with increased sales of other entertainment formats such as DVD films and new video game consoles."