UK official chart show could move from Sunday to Friday as international release introduced

Singles currently come out on Sundays but that will move to Friday in summer

The chart show could move from its traditional slot (Getty Images)

The UK chart show could move from its long-running Sunday evening slot as the music industry tries to combat piracy.

New albums and singles are to be released on Fridays simultaneously around the world from the summer.

The current system sees UK singles come out on Sundays and albums a day later, while other countries have to wait longer for the latest music.

Radio 1’s chart show has had its Sunday evening slot for decades and recently started including online streaming in sales figures.

The show is currently presented by Clara Amfo from 4pm to 7pm.

Clara Amfo is new host of the UK Top 40 Chart Show (Justin Sutcliffe)

A spokesperson for the Official Charts Company said: "Following the announcement that the record industry is moving to a synchronised global release day of Friday, we will also be looking to move the UK chart announcement day.

"Exact details are to be decided but Radio 1 will continue to be the home of the official chart."

The move comes after consultation with artists, record companies and retailers who believe an international release day will reduce the risk of piracy.

The move partly aims to stop piracy as fans scrabble to get the latest music from different countries (iTunes)

The IFPI - which represents the worldwide record industry - announced the change last week.

Frances Moore, the chief executive, said: "A global release day makes sense for one overwhelming reason - it meets the needs of the music consumer.

"In today's globalised world, it makes no sense for new music to be released to fans on different days of the week.

"At the same time, we view this as a tremendous opportunity to breathe new life back into the release of music. Friday has a compelling logic to it, at the start of the weekend when fans most want to listen to and buy music, which is why it has been chosen as the day."

Paul McGowan, chief executive of HMV owners Hilco Capital, said it was "a totally logical move".

Fearne Cotton is leaving Radio 1 after a decade (Getty Images)

"Quite simply, new music should hit the high street when people hit the street. New Music Fridays will get new releases to fans when they most want to buy them,” he added.

The possible change comes after prolific DJs Fearne Cotton and Zane Lowe announced their departure from Radio 1.

Cotton is pregnant with her second child with Ronnie Wood's son Jesse, while Lowe is leaving to join Apple’s new radio service in Los Angeles.

Additional reporting by PA