According to new data released by Parks Associates today, over half of UK and French (55 per cent and 51 per cent, respectively) broadband Internet households are now turning to online channels for their TV and video fix.
Until now, it has been free services, provided by existing broadcasters, such as the BBC, that have been leading the charge, getting people to look to the web rather than the TV guide. However, the growing choice of exclusive programming from the likes of Netflix is starting to grab consumers’ attention and get them to consider subscription options, too.
“In many parts of Europe, pay-TV penetration is lower than the US, and European consumers have been reluctant to pay for video in the past due to so many ‘free’ options,” said Brett Sappington, Director of Research, Parks Associates. “But, as more pay options enter the market, with content unavailable anywhere else, they are slowly changing the culture of video viewing in Europe.”
From the article "Internet Video Streaming Catches On With European Consumers" by www.themalaymailonline.com