Top Christian music executives share their views on the industry's issues

IN A RECENT edition of US trade magazine Billboard top Christian music executives spoke about the biggest problems facing the industry in 2007. Said Gospel Music Association president, John Styll, "The Christian/gospel industry faces issues that are similar to the rest of the industry: the changing business model at the labels, affectively monetizing the digital sector, curbing piracy and, of course, making music that people want. These issues sit on top of a community that is already economically disadvantaged. Artists are unable to command ticket prices that similar artists in other genres can charge, yet their expenses for transportation and production are the same as any artist. Part of the GMA's role as the industry's trade association is to do all we can to mitigate these issues on behalf of our 4,000 members."

Also in the article, Word Entertainment senior vice president of A&R and publishing, Susan Riley, was reported as saying, "As clichéd as it sounds, the most pressing issue that demands attention is still figuring out how to get our artists paid for their music. Along with that, for us as a label (we need) to continue to think creatively on how to adjust the business model as the times change."