Study Claims Online Piracy Caused By Lack Of US Content

A research project from English media management company Red Bee Media claims that nearly half of people surveyed in the UK are of the opinion that the primary cause of online video piracy is content from abroad not being readily available through legal means.

The survey, entitled Tomorrow Calling, revealed that 46% of those questioned claimed illegal downloading levels would become ’greatly reduced’ were there legal options available to view their favourite shows from overseas (mainly the USA) without being forced to wait for an official UK release, which can often be several months or over a year after their original airing. It was also found that 83% would be willing to pay higher (20%) or the same (63%) rates as their regular TV service in order to get the specified content as it is released.

Meanwhile, 56% of those surveyed believe that all new episodes of TV shows should be released at the same (or very similar) time globally, while 57% believe the same for movies.

While major TV events (such as May 2010′s finale of Lost) have been simulcast around the world at the same time (mainly to prevent spoilers), such occurences seem to be rare, and even a wait of a couple of days or weeks is too much for some would-be viewers to resist piracy of episodes.

Red Bee Media added that UK film and TV viewers want more freedom with the content they are allowed to watch, with 71% after better on-demand services, and 39% reckon that content providers and newer viewing technology could provide a better service than current TV networks.

Other results include 33% of subscribers to pay-TV subscribers willing to cancel their subscriptions if they found a cheaper approach to watching films, and the same percentage claiming that they would cancel or downgrade for an opportunity to watch cheap TV advert-free. 45% want simpler access to the back catalogue of their favourite series, while 39% believe that online catch-up services should extend their ‘window’ of opportunity to six months (it is currently at one week for most offerings). It makes you wonder how they would have coped in the not-too-long-ago days where linear TV schedules were the only option…

Red Bee Media chief executive Bill Patrizio said of the findings: “Viewers are more engaged with TV and movies than ever before and it is clear that our industry will continue to experience an unprecedented level of change. The results show that viewers are increasingly savvy about what they watch and how and when they watch it and they are ever more cynical about current offers when their preference is for a more immediate, selective and flexible experience. This research provokes us to listen closely to what tomorrow’s consumer has to say and ask ourselves whether or not their expectations are driving our industry’s innovation agenda.”

Crazy Matt Cazzy into all things hi-tech, gizmos and gadgets. If its just out, i want it. Loves watching tv on every device ever invented that can handle it

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