Over 254,000 people in the UK and US torrented the Season 4 finale ofGame of Thronesin just one hour. To tackle this behaviour, HBO launched HBO Go, letting people access the channel cheaply on their phone or tablet. But will it really stop people streaming illegally?

“I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man,” raps Jay-Z. Collaborating with Samsung for the release of his new album, he's becoming a media empire – making money for himself, kudos for Samsung, and social currency for his fans.

Hip-hop outfit Wu-Tang Clan plans to sell only one copy of their new 'secret' album, housed in a handcrafted silver box, for over a million dollars. Before being sold, the album will be 'exhibited' in museums and galleries so paying fans can get a listen.

Under pressure from digitisation, music labels are seeking alternative sources of revenue. One Direction has transformed merchandising into a multi-channel branding operation that covers everything from phone covers to fake nails.