HORSHAM, Pa., Nov. 24, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Music Choice, the pioneering music television network that nationally distributes non-stop music channels, exclusive music shows and concerts to homes and businesses through digital cable and satellite television, today announced the results from a quantitative phone study conducted by Nielsen Media Research in July 2003. The survey includes feedback from DIRECTV and digital cable homes with access to the MUSIC CHOICE digital audio music channels.
An amazing 92% of MUSIC CHOICE viewers look at the compelling screen content, that includes album art, artist information, and targeted advertising messages, at least once per song. Sixty-one percent of the viewers surveyed look at the screen more than once.
The research results established that MUSIC CHOICE viewers select MUSIC CHOICE first to hear new music over competing music television networks and traditional radio. MUSIC CHOICE scored 29% higher than the next-closest choice, with 63% of respondents indicating MUSIC CHOICE as their source for new music.
The Nielsen Media Research also indicated that 50% of MUSIC CHOICE viewers have integrated the music services into their lifestyles, with a majority of respondents utilizing the music service while entertaining friends and family. The results also revealed that many MUSIC CHOICE viewers enjoyed viewing the non-stop music channels while not being involved in any other activity.
Given that 82% of those surveyed indicated access to the Internet at home, they will be pleased to hear that Music Choice will soon reach out to cable modem homes with MUSIC CHOICE Broadband. The new music service will offer 40+ channels of non-stop music channels. Utilizing Windows Media Audio 9 Series, MUSIC CHOICE Broadband will offer the content via satellite in multicast format, bypassing the Internet to get the signal as 'close to the edge' as possible, for a higher-quality listening experience.
"Music Choice is delighted with the Nielson survey results," said David Del Beccaro, President and CEO of Music Choice. "They clearly indicate the high satisfaction level with, and increased awareness of, the MUSIC CHOICE Network. We credit these findings with our continuing commitment to provide consumers with the music programming that appeals to their individual interests. While other music networks move further away from music offerings and more toward lifestyle programming, MUSIC CHOICE fills the void by offering consumers the music they most desire," stated David Del Beccaro, President and CEO of Music Choice.
About Music Choice
Music Choice, the pioneering music television network, nationally distributes non-stop music channels, exclusive music shows and concerts to homes and businesses through digital cable and satellite television. The MUSIC CHOICE(r) music channels reach 32 million households and the MUSIC CHOICE exclusive concerts air in 44 million cable and DIRECTV(r) homes. Headquartered in Horsham, PA, Music Choice is a partnership among subsidiaries of Microsoft Corporation, Motorola, Inc., Sony Corporation of America, Warner Music Group, Inc., EMI Music and several leading U.S. cable providers: Adelphia Cable Communications, Comcast Cable Communications, Cox Communications and Time Warner Cable. MUSIC CHOICE(r) is a registered trademark of Music Choice. Visit the Music Choice website at, www.musicchoice.com .