LOS ANGELES — Despite years of struggle on a number of fronts, the porn industry is set for making a strong comeback and 2015 may be a watershed year.
NBC News reported that although the mandatory condom challenges and content piracy issues still loom heavily over Porn Valley, the $97 billion global industry ($10-12 billion from the U.S.) — according to New Mexico State University sociology professor Kassia Wosick — is stabilizing.
The report noted increasing mainstream acceptability with talent appearing on popular TV shows like “Sons of Anarchy,” and the major buzz about February’s theatrical release of “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
A strong webcam sector and a continued surge in adult novelties is also helping to buoy growth.
Sociologist Chauntelle Tibbals, who tracks the business told NBC she believes less companies are closing, signaling a leveling off in the recent downturn.
XBIZ President Alec Helmy was also optimistic about adult's future. He said, "There's a greater sense of optimism. I believe the companies that have stood the test of time are no longer dwelling on the past and have figured out a way to stay viable. I would say it's a new era for the industry."
Porn star Chanel Preston weighed in and pointed out that the industry hit its low point in 2010 when she made her debut because of the rise of the Internet which truly tested adult’s mettle.
“Now, four to five years later, the companies are starting to adapt to the new technology and figuring out how to use it to their benefit. The companies that aren't willing, or couldn't do that got weeded out,” Preston said.
