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The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will investigate the streaming market "from creator to consumer" following a year-long inquiry by MPs.

The office will consider whether the dominance of major labels is stifling competition or affording any players "excessive power".

While it could be a significant step forward for music creators seeking fair payment, progress remains slow - the DCMS Committee's inquiry and an investigation by the Intellectual Property Office have turned up more evidence but no answers.

The CMA is inviting comments on a study of the market until February 17, with an eye to publishing its findings early next year.

More UK music artists earned "meaningful royalties" from streaming in 2021, the BPI reports.

UK music was streamed 147 billion times last year - a 5.7% increase on 2020.

About 1,900 artists were streamed more than 10 million times in the UK, meaning they could potentially earn a living from streaming alone. This group has grown by a quarter in just two years, according to the BPI.

Its figures indicate streaming now accounts for 83% of UK music consumption, though physical formats' popularity remains: a decline in CD sales has slowed and vinyl sales are the highest they've been in 30 years.

Today, an artist will generate the same revenue from 10 million streams as 10,000 CD sales. BPI estimates twice as many artists are earning significant sums compared to when CD sales were at their height.

"Success today is gauged in the multi-millions, sometimes billions, of streams," CEO Geoff Taylor said.

"This year’s growth shows there is a huge appetite for music and we believe that by working together we can increase the value of the whole music market, so that streaming can support even more artists in the future."

A landmark deal on working conditions for voice actors working on video games has been agreed.

Voice studio OMUK will give Equity members details of the game prior to or at the time of audition and disclose whether an accent is required, among other information. 

Minimum fees will be set according to the production's budget. Games with a budget under £500,000 must pay at least £175 per hour, increasing to a minimum £300 for games with a budget of £5m or more. 

OMUK Managing Director Mark Estdale says the deal brings the industry in line with existing TV, stage and film agreements.

"Without taking this step, the games industry would remain the wild west of media even though it's now probably the biggest employer of talent."

A new survey reviewing how financially advantaged creatives are in different countries has placed the UK near the bottom of the list.

The study considered what four creative occupations - a graphic designer, web developer, architect and photographer - take home each month on average after subtracting the cost of rent in 20 countries.

The UK placed 19th, with 44.8% of monthly wages left after deductions.

Germany was the best country for creative professionals, topping the list with 61.8% of a monthly wage left after rent costs. Sweden and Denmark placed second and third.

A spokeperson for Design Bundles, which conducted the survey, said it was interesting to see how the UK fared: "Although they pay reasonable salaries in comparison, the difference in the percentage of pocketable wage is significant."

PRS for Music has narrowed its gender pay gap but white employees earn up to 26% more than those of colour.

The collecting society has published reports on its gender and ethnicity pay gaps as it announces two new full-time posts to "provide further expertise in equality and diversity".

Its average gender pay gap has decreased from 13.5% last year to 10.6% this year. 

However, there is an average wage gap of 20% and a median gap of 26% in favour of white employees over their colleagues of colour.

This is "predominantly driven by the proportion of Black, Asian or ethnic minority background employees in lower banded roles," PRS reports

It says it has trained all hiring managers on inclusive recruiting and increase its use of recuritment agencies that specialise in diverse candidates.

"Internally, the organisation is increasing its focus on nurturing diverse talent using talent reviews and career development plans, including coaching and management development."