Paid Downloads Losing Steam

Paid online downloads are possibly losing some momentum this quarter, following explosive fourth and first quarter performances. According to the latest numbers from Pali Research, overall, weekly paid download purchases from outlets like the iTunes Music Store are double levels from last year, though purchases have been sagging in the second quarter. Citing Nielsen Soundscan data, research analyst Richard Greenfield pointed to week-over-week declines. "In 2006, despite the aggregate year-to-date strength in digital tracks, weekly performance continues to decline, with every week during the second quarter below the year-to-date average," he said. * Click HERE to read the PDF Pali Research Summary *