1983: The COMPACT DISC and EMI | Newsnight | Retro Tech | BBC Archive

Ian Smith reports on the new compact disc format, which manufacturers are hoping will revolutionise the music industry and become the next audio standard. EMI - Britain's largest record company - have decided against jumping on the CD bandwagon, in a move that echoes the company's reticence to adopt the LP format some 30 years ago.

Their decision means that the music of major EMI artists like Olivia Newton-John, John Lennon, Queen, Pink Floyd, Cliff Richard, Duran Duran, Andre Previn and Simon Rattle will not be available on the Compact Disc format.

Is this a short-sighted move by EMI? Or does the Compact Disc need them more than they need it? Mike Juett of Phillips, audio engineer Tony Faulkner, investment analyst Keith Sykes and EMI executive Brian Southall give their opinions.

This clip is from Newsnight, originally broadcast 2 February, 1983.





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