In the weeks surrounding the release of a controversial documentary accusing Michael Jackson of sexually abusing young boys, consumers have listened to more of the late pop star’s music, while radio programmers have been playing it less. Streaming figures often rise temporarily when an artist is publicly scrutinized. But depressed airplay, if prolonged, could affect overall consumption of Jackson’s music and complicate the $250 million deal Sony Music Entertainment struck last year to distribute his catalog for the next seven...

Source: Wall Street Journal March 11, 2019 22:35 UTC