Viewing of Free VOD Content On the Rise

PORTLAND: The total time spent watching free on-demand programming has increased by more than 40 percent over the last year, according to Rentrak’s new State of VOD Report.

The total number of free on-demand TV programs watched went up 29 percent from 2011 to 2012. The figures are even more significant when you look at free on-demand programs that were aired over just broadcast networks. This saw a 60-percent increase in total time spent viewing and a 47-percent gain in the total number of programs watched.

"There is no doubt that this kind of growth is reshaping budgets of cable operators, content providers and advertisers," said Cathy Hetzel, Rentrak’s corporate president and president of the AMI Division. "Our reporting gives perspective on how many ad dollars could be left behind if on-demand content is not considered by the planners of TV."