Streaming in the Dark: Where Music Listeners’ Money Goes – and Doesn’t

This paper shines a light on the dysfunction of the music streaming ecosystem. It explores how a culture of secrecy and unchecked market power have created an environment in which consumers pay to rent (rather than own) their music library; competition is dwindling; artists struggle to profit from their own work; and independent labels cannot compete against the “Big Three” major record companies that collect almost 85% of all U.S. digital music royalties.

Learn more in our accompanying blog post by paper author and Public Knowledge Senior Policy Counsel Meredith Rose and press statement.