BIG JUMP IN KIWIS VIEWING VIDEO ONLINE

Kiwis are increasingly turning to their computer screens for the latest news and entertainment videos delivered over broadband internet.

In the past six months, XtraMSN has experienced a 118% increase in monthly viewers of broadband-enabled content including music videos, video news clips, movie trailers and games.

Over that period the total number of unique users visiting XtraMSN’s broadband channel increased from 112,000 to 245,000 per month.

“Broadband is now delivering to your computer the type of entertainment once limited to television and movie theatres,” said Rod Snodgrass, Telecom’s Wired Division General Manager. “The advantage is that you can watch what you want, when you want.”

XtraMSN’s broadband channel includes a news section with video clips from TVNZ, and audio stories from Radio New Zealand and Newstalk ZB. Since December there has been a 52% increase in unique visitors to the news channel.

“With broadband internet, content is up-to-the minute and constantly available. For people who want to keep up with the latest information and entertainment, no other medium can match it,” Mr Snodgrass said.

Nielsen//NetRatings Market Intelligence’s figures also show XtraMSN Entertainment is New Zealand’s most visited entertainment web site. In the week ending February 6 the entertainment pages had 113,278 unique visitors.

XtraMSN broadband channel can be viewed at www.xtraMSN.co.nz/broadband

ENDS