The FINANCIAL — As a result of copyright infringement creative industries are declining, claims a new report released by LSE’s Media Department.
The gaming, film and publishing industries are growing and new business models are emerging based on digital sharing, shows the report.
For some in the creative industries, copyright infringement may actually be helping boost their revenues, the report finds.
Industry data shows that while the music industry has stagnated somewhat in the last four years, since 1998 it has experienced overall growth with internet-based revenues as a significant component since 2004. In the UK, online sales now exceed CDs or vinyl as a percentage of total revenue for recorded music, according to the London School of Economics and Political Science.
“Contrary to the industry claims, the music industry is not in terminal decline, but still holding ground and showing healthy profits. Revenues from digital sales, subscription services, streaming and live performances compensate for the decline in revenues from the sale of CDs or records,” said Bart Cammaerts, Senior Lecturer in the LSE Department of Media and Communications and one of the report’s authors.
Citing the big rise in the use of Creative Common Licenses, the report points to the ways that some creative industries are making use of, and profiting from, the digital culture that relies on access, sharing and co-creating.
“Neither the creative industry nor governments can put a stop to cultural change that is global and in many cases welcomed, including by other segments of industry,” said Robin Mansell, LSE’s Professor, another author of the report.
“There is a need foster recognition and economic reward for creators and there is a need for copyright legislation to underpin economic growth. But such legislation needs to be consistent with 21st century values and practices,” he added.
For some in the creative industries, copyright infringement may actually be helping boost their revenues, the report finds.
Industry data shows that while the music industry has stagnated somewhat in the last four years, since 1998 it has experienced overall growth with internet-based revenues as a significant component since 2004. In the UK, online sales now exceed CDs or vinyl as a percentage of total revenue for recorded music, according to the London School of Economics and Political Science.
“Contrary to the industry claims, the music industry is not in terminal decline, but still holding ground and showing healthy profits. Revenues from digital sales, subscription services, streaming and live performances compensate for the decline in revenues from the sale of CDs or records,” said Bart Cammaerts, Senior Lecturer in the LSE Department of Media and Communications and one of the report’s authors.
Citing the big rise in the use of Creative Common Licenses, the report points to the ways that some creative industries are making use of, and profiting from, the digital culture that relies on access, sharing and co-creating.
“Neither the creative industry nor governments can put a stop to cultural change that is global and in many cases welcomed, including by other segments of industry,” said Robin Mansell, LSE’s Professor, another author of the report.
“There is a need foster recognition and economic reward for creators and there is a need for copyright legislation to underpin economic growth. But such legislation needs to be consistent with 21st century values and practices,” he added.
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