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Free Beats Pay by Three to One

Free Beats Pay by Three to One

According to new research from Points North Group and Horowitz Associates,  consumers would prefer to get free on-demand TV programs and endure commercials rather than pay $1.99 for programs without commercials, by a greater than a three-to-one margin

62% of all survey respondents said they would prefer getting their favorite TV show for free with commercials, versus 17% who chose paying $1.99 for online, cable or satellite without commercials. 21% are undecided.

Broadcasting networks, cable programmers and other content providers are joining with computer industry players to make replays of programming available for download through the Internet, with commercial-free prime-time hits priced at $1.99 each.

Craig Leddy, a Points North Group analyst, said, however "… Consumers will grow tired of having their credit cards charged $1.99 every time they download a rerun…”

Among consumers aged 18-34:

  • 68% chose free, ad-supported versus
  • 26% favored paying
  • 5% undecided.

For the complete release, please go here.

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