Audience Inventory 2014: Pay TV results

In Part 2 of TV Tonight‘s Audience Inventory for 2014 we look at Pay TV results.

There were 964 surveys completed this year. Free to Air results, which includes info on the Foxtel EPG, IQ and Presto, can be found here.

43% of respondents indicate they subscribe to Pay Television, 1% higher than in 2013.

The most surprising result is the lack of change from last year’s data.

The biggest issue concerning subscribers is the need for more flexible packages, both amongst current subscribers and potential new customers. 9% of readers indicated they were open to the idea of subscribing, subject to packages, and preferring a full installation over the boutique Foxtel Play.

FOX8 remains the most popular channel although its lead has diminished, while SoHo has risen. We can also see a first glimpse of where BBC First now sits in channel popularity -although it’s important to remember some channels require additional premiums.

As this is the sixth year of the Audience Inventory, comparative trends are noted where applicable.

* denotes multiple answers allowed

Do you subscribe to Pay TV?
No 57%
Foxtel metro subscriber (cable) 16%
Foxtel metro subscriber (satellite) 13%
Foxtel regional subscriber (satellite) 6%
Foxtel (other device, ie. XBox 360) 4%
Other 3%
Foxtel regional subscriber (cable) 1%

Which Pay TV channels do you watch regularly? *
Don’t have Pay TV 57%
FOX8 23%
SoHo 18%
FOX Sports 17%
LifeStyle 16%
Showcase 15%
Premiere 13%
UKTV 12%
FOX Footy 11%
Arena 11%
Comedy 11%
Discovery 10%
Nat Geo 10%
Other 10%
BBC First 9%
Universal 9%
Syfy 9%
FX 9%
111 Hits 9%
SKY News 9%
TV Hits 9%
History 9%
ESPN 8%
LifeStyle YOU 7%
Channel [V] 7%
Masterpiece 7%
MAX 6%
A&E 6%
E! 5%
Crime & Investigation 5%
Bio 5%
13TH Street 5%
Disney 5%
Comedy (Movies) 5%
BBC World News 4%
Disney Movies 4%
STUDIO 4%
World Movies 4%
MTV 4%
Nickelodeon 4%
CNN 3%
Family Movies 3%
SPEED 3%
Cartoon 2%

Up: SoHo, Universal, Masterpiece
Down: FOX8, A&E

Which Pay TV Package do you subscribe to? *
Don’t have Pay TV 57%
Foxtel: Essentials 25%
Foxtel: Drama & Lifestyle 21%
Foxtel: Movies & Premium Drama 19%
Foxtel: Sports 19%
Foxtel: Documentary & Adventure 16%
Foxtel: HD 15%
Foxtel: Kids and Music 13%
Other 3%

Up: Movies & Premium Drama.

How likely are you to become a new Foxtel subscriber in the next 12 months?
Not likely to subscribe 52%
Already a subscriber 36%
Unsure 5%
Likely to unsubscribe from Foxtel 3%
Likely to become a full subscriber with cheaper / more flexible packages 2%
Likely to become a Foxtel Play subscriber with cheaper / more flexible packages 1%
Likely to become a full subscriber 1%
Likely to become a Foxtel Play (internet) subscriber 0%

If there is any shift this year it appears to be that potential subscribers are keener for the full suite than Foxtel Play, but it’s only a slight rise.

Rate any or all of the Pay TV FTA issues
VERY IMPORTANT:
More flexible packaging options
Adding all FTA digital channels for all customers
Fast-tracking / Express from the US
Less ads
Aligning all FTA channels on EPG Menu
More competition in providers

NO OPINION
Foxtel Go available on all Android devices
More package choices for Foxtel Play
Upgrading IQ
Improving customer service
Maintaining innovative features ie. Remote record, 3D, Downloading
More HD channels
Adding new channels
Picking up shows dumped by FTA broadcasters
Keeping shows on the channel they launch on
More Aussie content

There was no shift in the Pay TV issues raised.

88% of respondents voted TV Tonight Excellent / Very Good and 1% voted it Disappointing.

68% of readers visit the site Once a Day or More.

Thanks for your participation in this year’s survey.

NB: Percentage shares have been rounded.