Cultural industries in the Digital Age: some provisional conclusions

Abstract

This is an empirical study based on US and European experiences and their applicability to Spanish reality. It is based on a number of sectoral analyses. The article aims to discuss the transformations of the cultural industries, their adaptation to the Digital Age and the new system of communication and culture that is shaping up in the most developed countries. It is argued that although the changes ushered in by the widespread adoption of digital technologies have been profound, we have to see current transformations in relation to the continuing weight of traditional media and organizational structures. There is a major challenge for communications policy in balancing the needs for public services agaisnt the pressures of commercialism.