Net experts welcome 'radical rethink' of online music

Government calls for a radical rethink of the music industry's attitude to the Internet has received major backing from Web experts throughout the UK.

The Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) report published this week, claims that without better offerings for the digital delivery of music from record companies, consumers will quickly turn to Internet pirates.

Peter Kumik, European MD of online content provider SealedMedia, said the government is on the right lines: "The consumer will call the tune in terms of platform and delivery in future. The government is jumping on the bandwagon, but it is correct in what its saying."

Ray Nash, media analyst at Cap Gemini, also welcomed the move, but said the government should not get directly involved through new legislation. He insisted: "Self-regulation is really the key here."

The DCMS report said the industry must offer consumers a safe and secure way to pay for music on the Web, particularly teenagers who are not old enough to use credit cards.

Peter Beverley, CEO of online content delivery company Magex said the government wake up call will do the whole industry good. "The government is echoing frustration from consumers who know what is possible, but don't see it being delivered. The industry has been slow to pick this up, not because the technology doesn't exist, but because of fear as it knows it will have to entirely change its business model."

Music industry association, The British Phonographic Institute BPI, also welcomed the report, but rejected allegations that conventional players have been slow to take advantage of digital delivery. "We are very wary of moving to digital delivery of music without govt legislation in place first," said a spokeswoman for the BPI.