Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

Pollstar & VenuesNow Release State of Industry Survey


Pollstar has announced the results of The Pollstar and VenuesNow 2020 State of the Industry Survey. The largest live industry study of its kind, more than 1,350 live industry professionals, including venue management, promoters/talent buyers, production and concert support services, ticketing, performers, artist managers, booking agents and agency staff, record labels, publicists, security staff, and more, were polled on three primary subjects. These areas included how the live industry is managing during the pandemic and economic crisis; what the industry's comeback will look like; and social issues, inclusivity, and diversity within our industry.

The survey yielded a treasure trove of data including critical insights into the current state of the industry, a road map for recovery, a mandate for greater diversity and far more. It can be viewed at the Pollstar 2020 State of the Industry Survey hub.

"We embarked on this survey project with the goal of taking the pulse of an industry that has not only been hammered by the pandemic like few others, but also to discover their views on the social unrest from their unique perspective as purveyors of the cultural touchstone that is live entertainment," said Ray Waddell, president of OVG Media & Conferences, which includes Pollstar and VenuesNow. "While clearly there is a lot of angst and concern regarding the realities of both our social issues and the future business of live, there is also much hope and optimism that this industry we love can not only return to greatness, but also return as a more diverse and equitable business than ever before. We thank all those who participated in this unprecedented survey."

Highlights of the survey include:

  • More than half of all venue respondents, 54.8%, believe the industry will return "to full capacity" in 2021.
  • 75.2% responded that they do not believe the government "has given proper consideration to the plight of the sports and live entertainment industry as compared to other impacted industries such as airlines, hotels, restaurants/retail."
  • Approximately 60% say they would personally embark on a tour or work a show now if health guidelines are followed (17.6% of those would work unconditionally).
  • More than 80% expect an increase in cashless/touchless technologies.
  • More than 72% of respondents expressed "concern about their company's ability to survive COVID-19."
  • Nearly half of those responding said they have received some sort of government assistance during the pandemic.
  • Indicative of their love for this industry, more than half said they have not considered leaving the live entertainment business and less than 3% have embarked on a new career outside of live.
  • More than half believe the industry can do better in terms of racial/cultural diversity, but less than 11% believe the industry has done a "terrible job" in this regard.
  • Interestingly, more than 60% of respondents believe their own company is at least "somewhat" diverse and inclusive.

For additional insights, visit the survey hub HERE.

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

Report: Majority of U.S. Voters Trust Public Media
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
As the Senate prepares to vote on the Rescissions Act of 2025 -- which would eliminate $1.1 billion in previously approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) -- a new national poll finds that most U.S. voters trust and value public media more than commercial More

NRRC Welcomes New Natl. Radio Network & Syndication Members
The Network Radio Research Council (NRRC)
The Network Radio Research Council (NRRC)
The Network Radio Research Council (NRRC) has announced the addition of leading research professionals from several major national audio companies, including Audacy Networks, Compass Media Networks, Entravision, Key Networks-United Stations, and Reach Media. The expansion brings a More

Quu Visual Radio Ads Boost Purchase Intent by 89%
Cumulus Media and Westwood One
Cumulus Media and Westwood One
New research finds that in-dash visuals synced with AM/FM radio ads can dramatically increase purchase intent and brand engagement, offering a new frontier for audio advertising. In this week's Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group blog, studies from Quantilope and System1/JCDecaux examine the More
Advertisement

Rising Through the Ranks 2025 Scholarship Recipients Revealed
Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)
Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)
The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) have revealed the 26 scholarship recipients selected for this year's Rising Through the Ranks program. Designed to foster the next generation of female leadership in the radio industry, the annual initiative combines More

Radio Milwaukee Adds Jon Adler and Maggie Corry
Jon Adler
Jon Adler
Veteran Milwaukee radio personality Jon Adler is returning to local airwaves, joining Radio Milwaukee's WYMS (88Nine) as Assistant Program Director and weekday evening host. Starting Monday, Adler will be on the air from 6-10pm and will also helm a new Saturday request show, "Let's Hear It!," debuting August More

CPR Approves FY 2026 Budget, Welcomes Three New Members
Colorado Public Radio (CPR)
Colorado Public Radio (CPR)
During its annual meeting, Colorado Public Radio's board of directors approved its budget and work plan for the new fiscal year beginning July 1, while also announcing the addition of three new members to its governing board: Carrie Okizaki, Arnold Salazar, and Sruta Vootukuru. The three incoming members More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement