
Britain’s competition regulator has launched an investigation into the music streaming market to establish whether innovation is being stifled and if any companies hold excessive power, reported The Global Mail.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had stated in October that it planned an investigation into a sector dominated by the likes of Spotify
“The CMA study will examine the music streaming market, from creator to consumer, paying particular attention to the roles played by record labels and music streaming services,” it stated.
While the regulator’s investigation will focus on the potential harm to consumers, the CMA will also assess whether any lack of competition between music companies could affect musicians, singers and songwriters.
Artists have long complained that they do not receive a fair share from streaming platforms and last year a UK parliamentary committee warned that the ties between music majors and streaming platforms could stifle innovation in the sector.
“If the CMA finds problems, it will consider what action may be necessary,” it stated.
In the United Kingdom, more than 80% of recorded music is now listened to via a streaming service rather than traditional physical media such CDs and vinyl records.
The CMA has 12 months to publish a market study report setting out its findings and any action it proposes to take.
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Former Michigan Asphalt Executive Pleads Guilty in Bid-Rigging Scheme
Feb 11, 2025 by
CPI
Ballard Spahr Expands Litigation Team with Addition of Antitrust Attorney in Seattle
Feb 11, 2025 by
CPI
Portuguese Court Overturns €225 Million Fine for Banking Collusion Due to Statute of Limitations
Feb 11, 2025 by
CPI
Binance and SEC Request Stay in Crypto Lawsuit Amid New Regulatory Task Force
Feb 11, 2025 by
CPI
US and UK Decline to Endorse AI Summit Statement
Feb 11, 2025 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – International Criminal Enforcement
Jan 23, 2025 by
CPI
The Antitrust Division’s Recent Work to Combat International Cartels
Jan 23, 2025 by
Emma Burnham & Benjamin Christenson
Information Sharing: The New Frontier of U.S. Antitrust Enforcement
Jan 23, 2025 by
Brian P. Quinn, Casey Kovarik & Michael Tubach
The Key Role of Guidelines on Exchanges of Information Among Competitors and the Divergent Transatlantic Paths
Jan 23, 2025 by
Rosa Abrantes-Metz & Albert Metz
Leniency, Whistleblowers, and Compliance
Jan 23, 2025 by
Richard Powers, Tara O’Malley & Cory Gordon