Reader Survey Unveils Key Findings in Digital Publication Consumer Adoption

SAN FRANCISCO, March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey conducted by The Harrison Group in conjunction with Zinio, the leading global online publishing, distribution and retail services company, has identified key benchmarks and findings for readers of digital magazines. Beginning with satisfaction, this survey found that 80 percent of digital magazine readers are very, if not extremely satisfied with their experience. More so, one-third of readers pay more attention to ads in digital magazines versus print, citing the ability to click on a link or engage with the ad as a key benefit.

"Through this research, we have unlocked key insights relating to strategies for driving online subscriptions, highest areas of interest and engagement times with content and advertisements," said Rich Maggiotto, CEO of Zinio. "The findings within this survey should have an impact on how the publishing and advertising industries approach their digital distribution channels."

Some of the key findings shared in this study include: advantages and disadvantages of the advertising form and content in digital magazines. This study also identified the four top factors influencing the purchase of digital instead of print magazines including, in order of preference: (1) immediate delivery; (2) the ability to archive; (3) the capacity to read anytime, anywhere, online and offline, and; (4) concern for the environment. In addition, key findings around the benefits of digital advertisements over the same print presentation indicate that 44 percent of the survey respondents find digital advertisements more appealing, and 37 percent said they would be more likely to engage digitally.

"About five hours a week is given to the consumption of magazines," said Jim Taylor, vice chairman of The Harrison Group. "Consumers are consistently looking for ways to improve productivity and use the downtime of travel, commuting, and so called free time to acquire content that is known to serve a personal, business or entertainment need. For many people, Zinio preserves the magazine format and conveniently delivers their magazines anytime, anywhere."

Results of this survey will be shared in a webinar conducted in partnership with the Direct Marketing Association's Email Experience Council on March 20th, 2008.

About the Survey

The survey was commissioned by Zinio and conducted by The Harrison Group, an independent research company. 1,500 subscribers responded to the study, representing a sampling error of less than 5 percent. The response rate of survey participation was 19 percent and data was collected within a two-week period. For more information on the survey, visit: http://www.zinio.com/corporate/publishers/research.jsp.

About The Harrison Group

The Harrison Group is a strategic marketing consulting and research services firm that partners with Fortune 1000 clients to build substantial, profitable growth through superior marketing consulting and research. The Group forms lasting client relationships with some of the top brands and companies in the world including American Express, Microsoft, Cartier, Four Seasons, Gucci, Honda, LVMH, Sony and Sara Lee. The Harrison Group's core strengths have been successfully employed across consumer and business-to-business research engagements in more than 60 countries around the globe. The Harrison Group was originally formed in 1996 by former directors of strategic research at Yankelovich Partners.

About Zinio

Zinio is the global leader for digital publishing products and services. Zinio provides publishers with new circulation and revenue growth opportunities through its comprehensive offerings from marketing programs that include customer acquisition, retention and cross-promotion to seamless production services, a robust e-commerce engine and extensive digital delivery, circulation and fulfillment services. Major publishing partners include, Bonnier, Hearst, IDG, Gruner + Jahr, Hachette Filipacchi, IPC Media, Mariah Media, McGraw-Hill, The National Magazine Company, Playboy Enterprises, Primedia, Rogers Publishing and Ziff Davis. Zinio has offices in San Francisco and New York with several franchisees worldwide. For more information, or to purchase any of the digital titles offered by Zinio, please visit http://www.zinio.com, http://www.textbooks.zinio.com.