The Economist Addresses ‘Hard Times’ in Porn Industry

LONDON — World news and business magazine The Economist addresses the financial state of the adult entertainment industry — and Porn Valley specifically — in an article in its latest issue, which states that the “big industry in northern Los Angeles is among the worst hit by the recession.”

Among those quoted in the piece is veteran performer and renowned “sexpert” Nina Hartley who draws from her own decreased workload (from a scene per week to a scene per month) that the business of porn is struggling.

For once, the oft-cited estimation of the dollar amount of revenue adult entertainment brings in — $12 billion at its height a couple years ago — has shrunk to $6 billion according to an editor from Adult Video News, a 50 percent decrease in just two years.

Free Speech Coalition Executive Director Diane Duke estimates that revenues have dropped 30- to 50-percent in the past year, with one producer telling Duke that his business took an 80 percent hit.

The piece even addresses performers scene rates and the drop in production. “For the 1,200 active performers in the Valley this means less action and more hardship,” the article states. “A young woman without Ms. Hartley’s name-recognition might have charged $1,000 for a straight scene before the crisis, but gets $800 or less now.”

It isn’t until the last paragraph in the piece that The Economist addresses the industry’s biggest threat: piracy and free porn on the Internet.

Porn is “like potato chips, everywhere and cheap, to be consumed and tossed,” Hartley said. “The industry will shrink and stay shrunken.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Transfixed Debuts Bree Miller Drama 'MILF Oasis'

Transfixed has released the Bree Mills-helmed drama “MILF Oasis.”

Sweet Sinner Releases 6th Volume of 'MILF Pact'

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Bunny Madison, Katrina Colt, and Little Puck in the sixth volume of "MILLF Pact," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Chaturbate Announces 2025 Music Contest Winners

Chaturbate has revealed the winners of its 2025 music competition.

Hime Marie Leads Latest From Hookup Hotshot

Hime Marie returns to Hookup Hotshot for a new scene featuring Nade Nasty.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Pre-Noms Open With Debut of New 'Impact' Honors

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the pre-nomination period for the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, the adult industry’s premier career honor, begins today and runs through Oct. 14.

Angelica Heaven Leads Latest From Immoral Productions

Angelica Heaven stars in a new Immoral Productions trilogy alongside Terry Banks, Matt Bird, Rob Hudson, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

MYM Launches New Traffic System

German creator platform MYM has launched a new traffic system for its members.

Payton Preslee Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Payton Preslee and Codey Steele star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Ukrainian Content Creators on Hook for Nearly $10M in Back Taxes

Content creators in Ukraine owe the equivalent of $9.3 million in back taxes, according to the country's State Tax Service.

Jade Venus, Aubrey Kate Star in Latest From Evil Angel

Jade Venus and Aubrey Kate star in a scene from Evil Angel titled “TS Aubrey & TS Jade Do 3 Uniformed Men.”

Show More