The Indicator from Planet Money Why the great vinyl shortage is over
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Apr 3, 2025 
Justin Barney, a music reporter from WNXP in Nashville, dives into the fascinating revival of the vinyl industry. He uncovers how a small Czech village became a vinyl manufacturing powerhouse, reshaping the market. The conversation highlights historical shifts from state-run factories to private enterprises post-communism. Barney also explores the emotional connections fans have with vinyl, the challenges smaller producers face, and the industry's recent boom-and-bust cycle amid the pandemic. It's a captivating look at a medium that refuses to fade.
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GZ Media's Origins
- GZ Media, initially Gramofonov Zavody, was the sole music factory in Czechoslovakia under communist rule.
- It produced pro-government and pop music for the Eastern Bloc.
GZ's Advantage
- GZ's monopoly status under communism gave it a competitive edge in capitalism.
- It had established infrastructure and equipment, making it difficult for new vinyl manufacturers to compete.
Vinyl's Revival
- Around 2005, vinyl made a comeback, coinciding with the hipster era.
- Darian Woods describes his own experience collecting records, including waiting in line for limited editions.