Among Broadband Users 18-34, Over One-Third (37%) Watch TV on Alternative Platforms Almost Daily

7% of Younger Broadband Users Are Already Considering Eliminating Pay TV, and Many More Say They Might, as More Content Becomes Available

LARCHMONT, N.Y., Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Weekly incidence of going online or using a handheld device to watch TV content rose from 34% in 2009 to 39% among broadband users, reveals Horowitz Associates' Multiplatform Content and Services study, which has tracked the adoption and impact of consumers' ability to access video and TV content on alternative platforms since 2005.  In this study of over 800 broadband users, overall penetration of video-enabled handheld devices has reached 78% overall, 84% of 18-34 year-olds, and 94% among 15-17 year-olds.

The recently released 2010 edition of this report finds that a full quarter (25%) of broadband users watch TV content online or on handheld devices daily/almost daily—a number that increases dramatically among younger broadband users.  Over one-third (37%) of 18-34 year-olds and over four in ten (44%) of 15-17 year-olds watch TV on an alternative platform on a daily/almost daily basis.

Impact on Pay TV Subscriptions

Despite growth in incidence of watching TV on alternative platforms, consumers report, on average, only about 3% of total viewing on these platforms, while the lion's share of viewing still happens in front of TVs.  At the same time, this survey reveals that already one in every fifteen young people (7% of 18-34 year-olds) is currently considering cancelling their TV service.  An additional 19% of 18-34 year-olds would consider canceling their TV service if more of their favorite content became available online.  This translates to 22% of broadband users overall who could, potentially, abandon pay TV in favor of alternative platforms.

"The data clearly show that when it comes to the next generation of multichannel customers, we should be concerned about the ongoing and future value of the video/pay-TV elements of our service offerings, and the strategies in place to deal with it," notes Howard Horowitz, President of Horowitz Associates.  "The penetration and usage of alternative viewing technology is reaching a tipping point, and the measurable impact on how the TV product is viewed will inevitably follow."

For more information about the study visit www.horowitzassociates.com/mcspr.html

CONTACT: Adriana Waterston, PH: 914-834-5999, Email: adrianaw@horowitzassociates.com

SOURCE Horowitz Associates, Inc.

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