The Australia Recording Industry Assn.’s new singles chart — which integrates sales from physical and digital tracks — will begin this Sunday (Oct. 8). The first chart will cover sales between Sept. 30 and Oct 6.
The current physical singles Top 50 chart, and the Digital Track Chart (which ARIA launched this April), will continue to be published separately.
“We are thrilled to be able to supply this essential music chart to Australian consumers, knowing that it will accurately represent overall sales of singles, be they physical or digital, in the local market place,” ARIA chart and marketing committee chairman John Parker said in a statement. Parker is also and Sony BMG GM of marketing and promotions.
“Following the development and successful implementation of the Digital Track Chart earlier this year, it was the logical next step, ensuring ARIA continues to develop charts of the highest calibre for the Australian public and industry alike,” Parker added.
ARIA reveals that the No. 1 digital track has been averaging 30% of the sales of the No. 1 physical single on a weekly basis. Digital sales were reported for the first time when ARIA released its January to June 2006 figures in August.
According to those figures, the Australian market generated 9.4 million units sales for a dollar value of A$12.2 million ($9.07 million). Digital music accounted for 5.5% of the overall A$224.5 million ($167.07 million) recorded music market.
The latest official Motorola ARIA’s charts are broadcast on Sundays on DMG Radio’s national Nova network.
