From next month, two of the UK's biggest record companies will make singles available for sale on the same day they're released to radio stations.

Tracks are often heard on radio weeks before they can be officially bought.

The new shake-up, called "On Air, On Sale", will be introduced by Universal and Sony from Tuesday 1 February.

Universal Music UK chairman, David Joseph, says the changes are being made because "we live in an immediate world".

He said: "On Air, On Sale is good news for any music fan and exciting for our artists who can now go into the studio knowing they don't have to wait weeks, or sometimes months, to see the music they have created go on sale.

"I'm pretty confident that in a few months it's going to be a level playing field.

"I can only make the decision on behalf of our artists and our company, but I'm absolutely convinced that in the next few months everyone will have the same policy."

Buying it? When the radio station will have you sick of it in two days max?

Buying it? When the radio station will have you sick of it in two days max?

They still make singles? Meh. I haven't bought any music for about 6 or 7 years now (and I haven't downloaded any either). Music just doesn't make up part of my life at the moment, I much rather listen to audio books or podcasts...

I am sure that they will. Though you could always turn the radio off or switch to a talk radio station.

They still make singles? Meh. I haven't bought any music for about 6 or 7 years now (and I haven't downloaded any either). Music just doesn't make up part of my life at the moment, I much rather listen to audio books or podcasts...