Predictors of Public Opinion About Digital Video Piracy

• In Event: Policy Approaches to Access and Use of Information

Abstract

Digital video piracy has become a major area of concern for the motion picture industry, costing U.S. studios more than $6 billion annually in lost box office revenue. Although music piracy has received attention in the Communication literature, few investigations have examined digital video piracy. This study explores predictors of public opinions of Americans regarding video piracy. Data are based on an online survey of U.S. college students. Regression analyses reveal support for a model outlining the influence of demographic characteristics, video consumption behavior, and attitudinal measures on attitudes toward digital video piracy. Implications of study findings for policymakers and the entertainment industry are discussed.

Authors

• Michael Rand, Cleveland State U

• Leo W. Jeffres, Cleveland State U

• David J. Atkin, U of Connecticut

• Paul Skalski, Cleveland State U