• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer, February 1, 2006

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.