Date of Award

Spring 2011

Document Type

Research Paper

Department

Whittier Scholars Program

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to examine how technology and the internet has shaped the business model of the record industry. For decades the record industry operated under a service-type model before eventually transitioning into an industry of physical products. The industry's transition began with the consolidation of major record companies by media conglomerates. Driven by their venture for profit, major record companies only capitalized on artists with the greatest potential of generating revenue. Consequently, this compromised artistic creativity and ultimately encouraged by the development of an increasingly homogenized music market. Furthermore, this paper analyzes how major record companies exercised control over the mediums through which consumers accessed music. In sum, the standard business model within the record industry throughout the end of the 20th century effectively limited access to music and simultaneously shaped consumer preferences. However, empowered by file-shaping services and the internet, 'net generation' consumers discovered new ways of bypassing corporate practices. Finally this paper will consider the way in which digital technology and modern trends in consumer behavior have generated a digital transposition of the pre-established distribution and marketing practices within the record industry.

Comments

WSP Major: Music Technology and Business

Download

Share

COinS