**Apple’s Position on Music Streaming: Advocating for Paid Models**
In a recent discussion with David Israelite, president of the National Music Publishers’ Association, Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president, conveyed his views on the current landscape of the music industry, especially concerning the dominance of free music streaming platforms. Schusser, who oversees Apple Music, TV+, and sports content endeavors, articulated his conviction that providing music for free represents a major error that devalues music as an artistic expression.
Schusser’s remarks capture a wider apprehension within the music sector regarding the effects of ad-supported free tiers offered by rivals like Spotify and Amazon Music. He remarked, “I think it’s insane that 20 years in, we still provide music at no cost. It’s a grave mistake … As a company, we perceive music as art, and we would never wish to distribute art for free.” This viewpoint highlights the necessity of treating music with the same regard as other artistic mediums, which generally entail payment for access.
Apple Music sets itself apart by not providing a free tier, a choice Schusser credits not to financial motives but to a dedication to valuing music. He observed, “we’re the sole service that lacks a free tier, and that’s not due to monetary reasons or anything. We do not have a free service and we will not introduce one. We have no intentions of offering one.” This position resonates with Apple’s overarching business strategy, which has traditionally emphasized premium products and services over advertising revenue.
Drawing an analogy to Apple TV+, Schusser pointed out the success of the series “Severance,” which necessitated payment for access. He contended that the presence of free music services commodifies music and reduces its artistic significance, a sentiment that struck a chord with the audience of music publishers who have been outspoken about dwindling royalties from streaming services.
While Schusser’s statements were warmly received by music publishers, they also mirror Apple’s strategic focus. The company has faced challenges with advertising-driven business models, making a case for paid subscriptions increasingly attractive. Conversely, Spotify supports its free tier by asserting it introduces new listeners to music, ultimately converting these audiences to paid subscribers. They claim to compensate artists billions, more than any other platform, spotlighting a differing method of monetizing music.
As the dialogue around free versus paid music streaming persists, Schusser’s comments illuminate a vital discussion regarding the worth of music and the industry’s sustainability. The conversation is poised to develop as streaming services respond to shifting consumer preferences and the persistent issues surrounding artist compensation.
