The new Global Release Day will mean that the announcement of the UK’s Official Singles and Albums Charts will move from their traditional spot on a Sunday.
The IFPI revealed yesterday that the official release day for all music from the end of this summer will be Friday across the world.
Music is usually released on a Monday in the UK, which sets up a midweek battle before the final weekly chart is revealed each Sunday.
Once the new release day is in place, this will have to change. The Official Charts Company said in a statement: “”Following the announcement that the record industry is moving to a synchronised global release day of Friday, we will also be looking to move the UK chart announcement day. Exact details are to be decided but BBC Radio 1 will continue to be the home of the Official Chart.”
Meanwhile, in the US – where the current release day is usually on a Tuesday and charts arrive on a Wednesday – Billboard has indicated it is also likely to change is chart release day.
The company, which compiles the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 with Nielsen Music, said the IFPI announcement was “not a surprise and something Billboard has been discussing with Nielsen and industry leaders for months”.
Silvio Pietroluongo, Billboard’s vp of Charts and Data Development, commented: “We will make an informed decision on these matters in the coming months, well in advance of the release date shift.”
“We have been working with Billboard and key industry players for some time on this important initiative and will continue to provide the most timely, accurate and complete measurement of music consumption,” said David Bakula, svp of Industry Insights for Nielsen Entertainment.Music Business Worldwide
