Having a Ball Blog #7

1. Why do media planners need to know about the music industry?
Sales of records have steadily declined due to the fact that everyone is downloading music on the internet for free. According to BPI, Japan which is the top country for cd sales has dropped 24% in 2009. Yet according to Will Page, the music industry is doing surprisingly good with totaling a little over 6 billion in sales in 2009. Advertising is a huge industry for music promotion.

2. What are some of the general trends in record sales over the past few years?
The record sales are dropping drastically due to the increase of online music stores where they can purchase a single song, rather than a whole cd.

3. What does the trend that people are paying more to see live music imply?
Live music has vastly improved, meaning the quality is better. Artists also put on good shows that use props rather that just sit in front of the stage and sing. New venues have also been built since 1990, in hopes to revitalizing decaying towns.

4. Page 3, para 4, "music's best customer is TV"? Explain.
Many musicians are buying into the whole sponsorships, such as wearing companies clothes on television commercials while singing their latest song and then promoting the cd at the end. Just recently Rascall Flats did this with American Living. Sponsorships are supposed to hit $1.74 billion this year. There are also many television shows that are music shows and that promote artists music such as “American Idol”, “Glee”, and the “X-Factor”. Music is supported by advertising and pay –TV subscriptions. When they hear a particular song online it might create an interest for the consumer, therefore prompting them to buy the single.

5. What demographic group is likely to spend money on music? (Page 5 and 6)
The most likely group is middle aged and older and they spend at the point of time.

6. As a media planner, what are some of the opportunities that the music industry offers for promotion of brands?
A media planner could utilize television shows, concerts, concert venues, and advertising to promote music and brands.