Hypebot Music Industry Fast Facts & Figures

Physical CD sales were down 8% last year according to the RIAA.  But when download sales were added in the decrease overall was a mere .6%.  Paid downloading increased 163.3% to 366.9 million units in 2005. But globally the picture was a bit less rosy with the IFPI reporting that even after adding in downloads 2005 global sales of music were down 3%.

The IFPI has filed another 2000 lawsuits against illegal downloaders.

Sony’s new mp3 players claim 28 hours of battery play time.

NY Atty General Eliot Spitzer is crying foul as the FCC may reportedly settle payola charges for $1-$10 million when is is seeking $20 million.

XM added another 568,000 subscribers hitting 6.5 million despite heavier competition from Sirius.

iPod owners are 2 times as likely to use cell phone music and video services according to M:Metrics.