February 3, 2003

Christian music sales stay in tune
___NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS)--Sales of contemporary Christian and gospel music totaled 49.6 million units in 2002, holding fairly steady with sales from the previous year, the Christian Music Trade Association reported.
___The total sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan, were 49.66 million units, a decrease from 2001 sales of 49.97 million units.
___Album sales increased by 8 percent among Christian chain retailers and 2.4 percent in mainstream outlets but dropped 10.5 percent among Christian independent retailers.
___The overall music industry reported a decline of more than 8 percent in CD sales.
___"2002 started strong for Christian and gospel music sales, following our biggest year ever in 2001," said Frank Breeden, president of the association. "It appears that alongside a lean release schedule, the slower economy finally reached us a little in the fourth quarter to bring us even in sales over the year."
___The top-selling album was "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" In order, the other top five best sellers were "Satellite" by P.O.D., "Rebirth of Kirk Franklin" by Kirk Franklin, "Worship" by Michael W. Smith and "Almost There" by MercyMe.

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