Since the early-1990?s the most popular promotional format in the UK has been the CD single. There have been numerous variations over the years, and they continue to be a simple but effective way for record companies to promote their latest artist releases. Pressed for?use in advance of the commercial release, they are usually distributed to radio stations, DJ?s and producers in order to gain airplay and generate public interest in a new single. They are extensively used throughout the rest of the media too; sent to editors and journalists in the hope of a favourable review in print or ?on air?, and in general they are distributed to many influential ?media-types? who might help spread the word with a recommendation or two!