WORLDWIDE music sales have tumbled to their lowest level since 1985, the year We Are The World topped the singles charts in Australia and Dire Straits released Money For Nothing, reports The Australian today.

1.86 billion albums were sold last year, including legal downloads.

That’s way down from a peak of 3.4 billion albums sold back in 1996. The main cause of the decline continues to be illegal copying, a pain not offset by growth in download sales.

Record company revenues tumbled another 8 per cent last year after CD sales fell 13 per cent.

Which raises great questions for class room discussion …

Will we see a cordinated legislative reponse around the world to save the old media empires built on the royalties from copyright licensing?

Or will governments remain relatively unconcerned that record companies are making a bit less than the incredible fortunes they were used to amassing year in, year out?

How would possible “three strikes” laws go down with the world of music consumers?

Are there new models for rewarding creative endeavour emerging?

JK