Death of the CD Slightly Exaggerated

For a few years now, music industry pundits have been predicting the demise of the CD as digital music becomes a bigger and bigger part of our every day lives. A new UK study finds that the assumption that the CD will die soon is just that; an assumption and not a fact.

It appears that most UK music fans are still happier buying a CD than downloading, according to the latest research by The Leading Question and Music Ally, both specialist media and technology research companies. In what was a major surprise, even teens (who are widely believed to be leading the charge towards digital music) say they still prefer CDs.

The Leading Question spoke to over 1000 music fans as part of their annual Speakerbox survey regarding the state of music consumption in the UK. Despite the growth of digital sales, the research showed:
• 73% of music fans are still happy buying CDs rather than downloading.
• 66% of 14-18 year olds prefer CDs.
• 59% of all music fans still listen to CDs every day.
• CD burning is at the top of all sharing activities (23%), above bluetoothing (18%),
filesharing single tracks (17%) and filesharing albums (13%)

This UK study parallels recent studies in the US, where CDs are still selling and still a large part of everyday music life, especially in the Country and Hard-Rock genres. For sure, someday the CD will die as a delivery format. It just doesn't look like that day is coming as soon as the popular predictions say.