As with other mediums, through a series of acquisitions and mergers we have seen a decrease in the number of industries. Major music labels have decreased from six in 1998 to three in 2012 (Universal, Sony, and Warner Music). Today these three together control about 70% of the global recording industry. However, independent (or indie) music recording companies have grown controlling the remaining 30%. Independent labels consist of "some 5000 large and small independent production houses" (Campbell, 148). What are the concerns or effects of only having three major music companies controlling 70% of the music recording industry? What changes in the music industry have lead to this increase in the number of indie music companies (almost doubling in size)? As with other mediums, through a series of acquisitions and mergers we have seen a decrease in the number of industries. Major music labels have decreased from six in 1998 to three in 2012 (Universal, Sony, and Warner Music). Today these three together control about 70% of the global recording industry. However, independent (or indie) music recording companies have grown controlling the remaining 30%. Independent labels consist of "some 5000 large and small independent production houses" (Campbell, 148). What are the concerns or effects of only having three major music companies controlling 70% of the music recording industry? What changes in the music industry have lead to this increase in the number of indie music companies (almost doubling in size)