When it comes to digital cable networks, subscribe are most satisfied with the ID, Investigation Discovery and ascribed the most perceived value to Gospel Music Channel and NFL Network.
Those were among the findings of Beta Research Corp.'s "2009 Digital Cable Subscriber Evaluation Study."
Working in conjunction with Survey Sampling's Spot Online Panel, reflecting a national sample of 1,996 digital-cable subscribers from 32 cable systems, the Beta survey measured results pertaining to over 40 digital-basic services, carried by most of the distributors.
With 65% of the respondents in its corner, ID, Investigation Discovery topped the chart, relative to digital subscribers indicating they were "very satisfied" with the network. PBS Kids Sprout was second with 63%, followed by Gospel Music and Discovery Health with 62% apiece, and History International and National Geographic Channel, both with 59%.
Gospel Music and NFL Network set the survey's pace with the highest average perceived value among the services, both at $2.06 count. Tennis Channel was third at $1.53, trailed by PBS Kids Sprout at $1.50, SoapNet and TV One at $1.49 apiece and CBS College Sports Network, at $1.46.
The survey also asked respondents in different demo groups to rank their five favorite digital-cable networks. Among guys 18+, Nat Geo was the runaway leader with 42%. Science Channel (26%), Fox Movie Channel (24%), History International (22%), ESPN Classic (20%), ESPNews and NFL Network (both at 19%) were next.
There was some overlap among women 18+ as Nat Geo (30%) and Fox Movie (28%) ranked second and third, respectively, behind Lifetime Movie Network (32%). Discovery Health (26%) was fourth and SoapNet (16%) fifth. Other favorites among the ladies: BBC America (14%), and DIY and WE TV (13% each).
Teens (12 to 17) voted for NickToons TV (30%), MTV Hits (28%), Fox Movie (25%), Nat Geo (22%) and MTV2 (21%).
Hispanics favored Nat Geo (30%), Discovery Health (22%), Fox Movie (19%), MTV2 (16%) and BBC America and MTV Hits (both with 15%).
For their part, African-Americans preferred TV One and Nat Geo (25% apiece), VH1 Soul (23%), Lifetime Movie Network (21%) and Fox Movie and Gospel (both with 18%).
