New Broadcasting and Communicaions Services in the Eyes of Users

Based on the Results of the November 2018 Survey on Media Use

Abstract

This paper reports the results of the November 2018 Survey on Media Use (nationwide survey of men and women aged 16 and over, responses from 2,264 persons) conducted by the NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute. Major findings are as follows.(1) 4K/8K broadcasts: The recognition rates have increased from the previous year; from 76% to 83% for 4K and 55% to 70% for 8K. Meanwhile, those who possess devices compatible with new 4K satellite broadcasting remained at 2%. Seventy percent of people not possessing such devices resounded that were unwilling to do so, and the most-cited reason for that was “conventional terrestrial or satellite broadcasts are enough.” (2) Simultaneous online distribution of broadcast programs: both the recognition rate and the proportion of those willing to use the services were around 40%, and, for all age groups of men in their 50s and under as well as women aged 29 and under, the figures reached almost 50%. Among those willing to use the services, a large proportion of people aged 59 and under watch television for a short time, which suggests that the simultaneous online distribution of broadcast programs will be well-accepted by light TV users. (3) Video streaming services: while YouTube users accounted for more than 50%, largely outstripping others, some other services such as Amazon Prime Video (8%) and TVer (5%) have increased the figures from the previous year. Likewise, fee-based streaming services have gained more subscribers (7% to 14%), and those who are “considering subscribing” or “taking a wait-and-see attitude” have also grown. Meanwhile, around 50% had “no intention to subscribe,” showing no change from the previous year. The report also includes “television connected to the internet” and “trust in the media and usage of news site apps.”