Digital Sales Overtake CDs

Australians have taken to buying music digitally, with digital music sales overtaking physical for the first time in Australia in 2013. Figures from the Sydney-based Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) were released Feb. 28.

Digital music is now 54.7 percent of the Australian recorded music market, selling 115.8 units and contributing $192.3 million (US$171,6 million) to the total $350 million (US$312.4 million) value of the Australian recorded music market.

Revenue from streaming, in particular, doubled to $20.9 million and 5.9 percent of the market. However, digital’s growth was not enough to counter physical’s 5.5 percent drop. Between January and December 2013, the market shrank 11.6 percent.

ARIA chairman Denis Handlin pointed out, “2014 is set to be an extremely important year for our industry. The value of the creative industries to the Australian economy will be in focus as the Federal Government considers the recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission’s inquiry into copyright and the digital economy.

“As our industry continues to embrace the digital landscape, it is increasingly important that we have the business and rights protection environment in place to support our local artists and record labels, which make such a valuable contribution to our country’s cultural identity and creative economy.”