Sony drops CD promos

One of the biggest record labels in the music industry has confirmed it is to stop distributing CD promos.

Ged Doherty, chief executive of Sony, said he believes sending out digital promos is likely to become standard procedure over the next few years, Music Week reports.

As a result, the company is phasing out CD promos, as it believes these are expensive and bad for the environment.

Sony will instead adopt a digital e-card system as of May 1st 2010, which will provide media outlets with an artist's songs, promotional images and relevant press clippings.

Mr Doherty said this should give Sony's radio, TV, press and retail partners "a complete picture of each release" without compromising on sound quality.

He added that this form of promotion will soon become more and more common, as he expects many major and independent music companies to adopt similar systems.

Sony has an extensive list of major artists on its books, including the Foo Fighters, Beyonce Knowles, Bob Dylan and Kings of Leon.

Product category: Electronic musical instruments