27 November 2007
Almost one-third of UK broadband users - aged 13 to 55 - are streaming or downloading movies and TV shows, it has been claimed.
A study from business lawyers Olswang, shows that broadband users are accessing a wide variety of entertainment content - and that they prefer to get it for free.
Non-payment websites such as YouTube are proving exceptionally popular, used by 63% of those polled - and three times as many users used free content than paid-for entertainment products.
Moreover, 33% were found to be accessing podcasts - and 42% said that they listened to streaming music online.
More worryingly for entertainment firms, 14% admitted to illegally downloading music for free, 6% had downloaded a film and 5% a TV show.
Further evidence for broadband users' unwillingness to pay for content came with the recent experimental release of the new album from rock group Radiohead.
In Rainbows was released by the band in October under a system where buyers could choose their own payment amount for the music.
Despite a loyal worldwide fanbase, it emerged earlier this month that 62% of the 1.2 million who downloaded the album had chosen to pay nothing at all.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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