The recorded music industry evolved from retail and radio to streaming, which disrupted both. Initially, streaming attracted former retail consumers, offering higher-paying subscriptions, while audiences moved from broadcast radio. Artists soon expressed discontent with low per-stream payouts, compelled to compare with retail losses. Record labels also recognized missed opportunities with superfans. As streaming growth plateaued, it became evident that the model failed to satisfy both retail and radio expectations, now seen as a compromise that doesn’t fully benefit artists or rightsholders.
Streaming initially seemed like a win-win as former retail consumers switched to subscriptions, but as growth slowed, it became clear streaming couldn’t serve both retail and radio expectations.
Artists and songwriters became dissatisfied with streaming rates, framing them against retail standards rather than the declined rates of radio, revealing conflicting expectations.
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