NFL Network has the highest perceived value among digital networks, according to the latest Beta Research digital-cable subscriber study, while National Geographic Channel is the favorite digital-basic network.
The consumers polled for the study put a value of $2.02 on NFL Network. Second place went to MTV Jams, at $1.82; then PBS Kids Sprout, $1.67; MTV Hits, $1.61; TV One, $1.59; Gospel Music Channel, $1.58; and SoapNet, $1.51.
The rest of the list is rounded out with Noggin, $1.50; ESPNews, $1.46 and History International, The N and VH1Soul, each valued at $1.43 each.
While big fans value their favorite networks highly, that does not mean those networks are necessarily at the top of the “favorite networks” chart developed in the poll. NFL Network earned a high valuation from fans, but placed 10th overall on the list of digital-cable networks. A breakdown of favorites by demographic found NFL Network is among the top five only of men 18 and older: It did not make the top five for other groups, such as teens, African-Americans or Hispanics.
By comparison, Nat Geo was on the top-five list for each of those groups, as well as women 18 and older. Besides Nat Geo, which was mentioned by 32% of those polled, adults 18 and older named Lifetime Movie Network (27%), Fox Movie Channel (25%) and BBC America, tied with Discovery Health Channel (18% each), as their favorite digital networks.
Continuing that list are the Science Channel (15%), followed by DIY, ESPN Classic, History International and NFL Network, each named by 13% of respondents; and ESPNews, named by 13%.
The poll queried a national sample of 1,957 digital subscribers of 32 systems. It measured 40 of the digital basic networks carried by most systems surveyed. It was conducted in July through Survey Sampling's Spot Online Panel.
