Music
The UK Top 40 may soon reflect tracks listened to via subscription and streaming sites as well as individual sales, it has emerged.
The Official UK Charts Company said that the inclusion of such services is inevitable, but added that it will not happen for at least a year and could take up to two decades, the BBC reports.
It has been suggested that songs streamed will carry less weight per listen than actual sales of tracks.
Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot said: "The charts have always been there as a popularity poll, as a means of identifying what are the hottest records of the moment.
"That's been relatively simple when people have bought stuff to keep forever. But that's going to become increasingly more complicated."
He added: "Knowing what a stream is worth compared to a purchase of a download, for instance, is very difficult to identify at the moment, but that's obviously going to be the next step."
The Official Charts Company recently announced the relaunch of the UK's Official Independent Charts.
The Official UK Charts Company said that the inclusion of such services is inevitable, but added that it will not happen for at least a year and could take up to two decades, the BBC reports.
It has been suggested that songs streamed will carry less weight per listen than actual sales of tracks.
Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot said: "The charts have always been there as a popularity poll, as a means of identifying what are the hottest records of the moment.
"That's been relatively simple when people have bought stuff to keep forever. But that's going to become increasingly more complicated."
He added: "Knowing what a stream is worth compared to a purchase of a download, for instance, is very difficult to identify at the moment, but that's obviously going to be the next step."
The Official Charts Company recently announced the relaunch of the UK's Official Independent Charts.
More: Martin Talbot, Music
Singles Reviews
Stooshe feat. Travie McCoy: 'Love Me' reviewThe trio breathe life into the girl band genre on their debut single.
The Sound
Big Time Rush's Valentine's Day playlistWe ask Big Time Rush for their all-time favourite love songs.
Music Interviews
Cher Lloyd: 'LA Reid loves scrambled eggs'Digital Spy finds out what the singer has been up to in America.
Album Reviews
The Ting Tings: 'Sounds From Nowheresville' reviewThe duo overcomplicate matters on their second studio album.
