"Politicians and music companies need to recognise that the nature of music consumption has changed and consumers are demanding lower prices and easier access to music," said Demos researcher Peter Bradwell.
"The scale of unlawful file-sharing poses a real threat to the long-term sustainability of our creative industries," said a spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. "While surveys asking people about unlawful behaviour should be treated with caution, it's encouraging that the findings signal that the three-pronged approach set out by the Government this week - a mix of education, enforcement and attractive new commercial deals - provides the best way forward for industry and consumers."
At The Movies - The Michael Jackson film This Is It topped the North American box office in its first weekend of release. The film, which was released worldwide on 28 October, took $21.3m (£13m) over the weekend, taking its five-day haul to $101m (£61.5m). Columbia Pictures said it now plans to extend the film's two-week limited run in North America until 29 November.
Award Winner (1) - -Jonathan Ross has been presented with the 2009 Music Industry Trusts' Award by George Michael at a charity dinner in London. The prize, now in its 18th year, is given annually "in recognition of services to music broadcasting". Award organisers said Ross had provided exposure for artists since his first chat show The Last Resort in the 1980s.
Chairman of the award committee David Munns said, "For over two decades Jonathan Ross has been an important part of the UK music landscape and has provided valuable support to artists in challenging times." Previous recipients of the award include Michael Parkinson, Sir George Martin, Sir Elton John, Peter Gabriel and Kylie Minogue.
Award Winner (2) - Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood won the outstanding contribution honour at the Classic Rock Awards. "It means a lot," said the musician. "It's about time - I've never had one just for myself." Wood - who also played with The Faces - was rewarded for his "ageless presence on the scene". Other artists at the London event included former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash and Aerosmith's Joe Perry. Musical recognition was also given to the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, Cream's drummer Ginger Baker and Iggy Pop, who was named a living legend.
On The Road - A musical film is being screened to mark 50 years of the M1, at the motorway's best-known service station. Watford Gap - The Musical was filmed by 80 amateurs with links to the station, in Northants, where Roads Minister Chris Mole unveiled a plaque. Half a century ago, Transport Minister Ernest Marples opened a 62-mile section between what are now junctions 5 and 18, from Hertfordshire to the Midlands.
The musical was created by BBC Radio Northamptonshire and features a number of people who have worked, visited and dined at the rest-break location. Previously called the Blue Boar, people originally made special trips to visit its restaurant and stars including Dusty Springfield, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones are known to have stopped there. Over the years, Watford Gap services has become an unofficial demarcation point for the perceived north-south divide and a signpost was unveiled on Sunday at the 'boundary'.
(Jim Evans)
