Telegraph.co.uk: Illegal music downloads hit record high
Illegal music downloads have reached an all time high just as the growth of online social networking has shifted the epicentre of the music industry away from the major record labels, according to a new study.
The 2007 Digital Media Survey, carried out by Entertainment Media Research in conjunction with media lawyers Olswang, revealed that the popularity of social networking websites such as MySpace and BeBo is helping to “democratise” the music industry as more young people discover new music online instead of via the radio or music television.
Of the 1,700 13-60 year-olds questioned, 86pc have used a social networking site this year, up from 74pc in 2006.
Four out of every ten social network users have music embedded in their personal profiles, rising to 65pc among teenagers.
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