Some 1,808 14 to 24-year-olds from across the UK were surveyed this spring by the University of Hertfordshire. Of the 61% of respondents who said they illegally downloaded music, 83% said they did so on a daily or weekly basis. Last year's survey research was based on 773 respondents. Of those who said they would pay for an unlimited MP3 download service, 77% said they would continue to buy CDs.And 78% of respondents said they would not pay for a streaming service, such as Spotify.
UK Music chief executive, Feargal Sharkey, said: "Over the past 12 months, the licensed digital music market has diversified enormously - epitomised by competition in the download market and the traction being gained by streaming services." He added: "Clearly, the shape of our entire business will continue to evolve. However, we will achieve nothing if we do not work with music fans and young music fans, in particular."
Jazz Festival secure - The new Brecon Jazz festival has been hailed a success and organisers say its future is secure. Musicians from around the world entertained more than 20,000 visitors during three days in the Powys town. Its new producer Peter Florence said organisers would now look at how to develop the event, which this year had been "relaxed and easy". Its future had been in doubt after poor summer weather in 2008 forced a company running it into liquidation.
The people behind the literary festival in the nearby town of Hay were eventually given the job of running Brecon Jazz. Mr Florence made changes and said before this year's festival it would focus more on music and less on a culture of drinking, adding that families would not visit in the past because of "the drinking". Mr Florence said: "The vibe's been good - relaxed and easy. The parade was great fun and there've been some magical concerts. We'll look at the numbers and decide how to develop it."
Michael Jackson Movie - A plan to release a film based on the singer's last rehearsals in Los Angeles for his series of concerts at the O2 arena in London has been approved by a Los Angeles judge. The proposal had been the subject of numerous objections by Jackson's mother Katherine, including concerns that his three children would appear in the movie. But AEG Live have said they are not included in the footage. The film is due to be released in October, with the singer's estate expected to receive about 90% of the proceeds.
The release is expected to be shown in 3D and will also include interviews with Jackson's friends and collaborators. Michael Lynton, head of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said: "This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound."
(Jim Evans)
