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Following discussion by the CMA Board, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will now carry out work to consider and develop the final scope of the market study, before formally launching it as soon as possible.

The CMA has written to the Government and the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee to outline its intended next steps.

Andrea Coscelli, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

The UK has a love affair with music and is home to many of the world鈥檚 most popular artists. We want to do everything we can to ensure that this sector is competitive, thriving and works in the interests of music lovers.

Over the past decade, the music industry has evolved almost beyond recognition, with streaming now accounting for more than 80% of all music listened to in this country. A market study will help us to understand these radical changes and build a view as to whether competition in this sector is working well or whether further action needs to be taken.

Market studies are a key tool used by the CMA to identify 鈥� and, if appropriate, to consider how best to tackle 鈥� any competition and consumer issues.

The CMA has a number of ongoing pieces of work promoting competition in digital markets. These include investigating Google鈥檚 鈥榩rivacy sandbox鈥�, Facebook鈥檚 use of ad data and Apple鈥檚 AppStore. It also聽launched the Digital Markets Unit (DMU), in April, which is operating in shadow form pending legislation that will provide it with its full powers. Separately to the proposed market study, an independent CMA panel is investigating Sony鈥檚 completed acquisition of 鈥榓rtist and label鈥� services provider AWAL.

Notes to editors

1. Market studies examine why particular markets may not be working well for consumers. They may lead to a range of outcomes, including: a) making recommendations to the Government to change regulations or public policy; b) encouraging businesses in the market to self-regulate; c) taking consumer or competition law enforcement action against firms; d) making a reference for a more in-depth (phase 2) market investigation; e) 鈥渃lean bill of health鈥�.
2. The CMA鈥檚 letter responding to the Government and DCMS Select Committee can be found on Letter from Andrea Coscelli to Julia Lopez MP, Julian Knight MP and George Freeman MP on music streaming. Further correspondence between the .
3. More information on the CMA鈥檚 approach to market studies can be found on the Market studies and investigations - guidance on the CMA鈥檚 approach: CMA3 guidance page.
4. The DMU聽will oversee a new regulatory regime for the most powerful digital firms, promoting greater competition and innovation in these markets and protecting consumers and businesses from unfair practices.
5. According to 鈥� the British recorded music industry鈥檚 trade association 鈥� streaming now accounts for four-fifths (80.6%) of UK music consumption.
6. Media enquiries should be directed to the [email protected], on 020 3738 6460.