Survey: VOD Enhances Linear Viewing, Network Loyalty

Avail-TVN (www.avail-tvn.com) announced the results of a survey measuring consumer behaviors and attitudes toward VOD. In the survey, conducted by Frank N. Magid Associates, 63% of respondents said that availability of TV program episodes on demand make them more likely to watch those shows on a regular basis. The data indicates that availability of free TV programs on demand increases loyalty, helps consumers discover new shows, and actually increases viewing when shows air live.Nearly 30 percent indicated that they had discovered new shows through on-demand and now watch them regularly when they air on linear TV. VOD availability also impacts show selection, said a quarter of VOD users who reported they are more likely to watch shows that they know are also available to watch on-demand for free. Just over a fifth said they are bigger fans of shows they know they can watch on-demand.The survey results also indicated that VOD is the top-rated service among consumers who have access to on-demand programming, higher than DVRs and HD channels, and that commercials in free VOD programming are 31% less likely to be skipped than commercials in recorded programming.