A third of UK viewers of TV programmes over the internet would consider downloading pirated content, according to Attentional.
The consultancy is currently establishing its own internet panel and ran a trial survey to gauge opinions on the internet piracy of film and television programmes. 381 of registered panel members were invited to participate and 174 returned completed questionnaires.
12% of respondents would definitely consider downloading pirated content, another 21% were unsure, leaving 67% who said they would not. The fact that pirated content was invariably free acted as an important factor for 66%. The availability of the latest programmes rated highly for 63%, rating as more significant for younger users.
Respondents offered that the closing of windows between the US and the UK would help reduce piracy, as would making legal content cheaper.
Almost 10% of respondents class themselves as regular viewers of online content; a figure that rises to nearly 13% for younger respondents. Around 25% of respondents have downloaded some film or TV programmes rising to 29% among 16-34 year olds. 17% of younger respondents claim to have downloaded some pay content, but only 5% of older respondent claim to have done so.
The most popular downloads were Lost, followed by: Hollyoaks, South Park, BBC News and Heroes. The most popular site for film and TV content is Channel 4’s 4oD, while Limewire is the most popular site overall, younger viewers accessing a significantly wider range of download sites.
