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Almost One-Half of Time Spent Online is Multi-Tasking--44% of Canadians are Online While Conducting Other Activities, Such As Watching TV, or Listening to the Radio Time Spent Online Continues to be On Par with Television Watching, Although Skews Heavily Toward the Younger Generation

Calgary, AB - "Online Media: All Change!", a new study released by Ipsos Reid, has found that online Canadians are multi-tasking for almost one-half of the time they spend on the Internet. Study author Mark Laver noted that "this is a very interesting finding in itself, particularly from an advertiser's perspective. With such a high degree of multi- tasking occurring, how can an advertiser (online or offline) be sure their message is getting through? Keeping this in mind, advertisers and media companies need to ensure that they have the appropriate tracking mechanisms as well as unique and different material in order to break through in this cluttered environment."

On average, online Canadians spend almost equal amounts of time on the Internet and watching television--approximately 15 hours each. Both measures remain essentially unchanged from early 2007. Online Canadians spend an additional 10 hours each week listening to the radio, while only 3 hours - or less than 30 minutes a day - reading the newspaper.

"The fact that Internet usage has caught up with and is keeping pace with television watching is just another indication of how rapidly online Canadians' entertainment habits are changing. For many companies a multi-channel strategy is imperative for meeting the demands of today's operating environment," continues Laver.

The 'net generation' - those that have grown up with technology--should be of particular concern to advertisers and traditional media. This segment of the population is spending significantly more time online and significantly less time watching television than their older counterparts. Those aged 18-34 are spending 18.4 hours online each week, compared to 13.6 hours and 14.2 hours for those aged 35-54 and those aged 55+, respectively. Further evidence as to some of the struggles being faced by traditional media companies in the Internet age: 40% of online Canadians do not read magazines, 19% do not read a newspaper and 15% do not listen to the radio.

"We are living in an era of massive change. All companies need to understand how the Internet is affecting their business and build strategies on how to deal with this change. The consequences for those that fail will be severe," concludes Laver.

This release is based on the findings of an Ipsos Reid syndicated study, the Inter@ctive Reid Report, fielded from 10/21 to 10/26, 2008. This online survey of 2644 Canadian adults was conducted via the Ipsos I-Say Online Panel, Ipsos Reid's national online panel. The results are based on a sample where quota sampling and weighting are employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the actual Canadian population according to Census data. Quota samples with weighting from the Ipsos online panel provide results that are intended to approximate a probability sample. An unweighted probability sample of this size, with a 100% response rate, would have an estimated margin of error of +/- 1.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

Mark Laver
Associate Vice President
Ipsos Reid
Public Affairs
(403) 294-7393
[email protected]

About Ipsos Reid

Ipsos Reid is Canada's market intelligence leader, the country's leading provider of public opinion research, and research partner for loyalty and forecasting and modelling insights. With operations in eight cities, Ipsos Reid employs more than 600 research professionals and support staff in Canada. The company has the biggest network of telephone call centres in the country, as well as the largest pre-recruited household and online panels. Ipsos Reid's marketing research and public affairs practices offer the premier suite of research vehicles in Canada, all of which provide clients with actionable and relevant information. Staffed with seasoned research consultants with extensive industry-specific backgrounds, Ipsos Reid offers syndicated information or custom solutions across key sectors of the Canadian economy, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, automotive, retail, health and technology & telecommunications. Ipsos Reid is an Ipsos company, a leading global survey-based market research group.

To learn more, visit www.ipsos.com/en-ca.

About Ipsos

Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.

Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999.

In 2007, Ipsos generated global revenues of e927.2 million ($1.27 billion U.S.).

Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.

Ipsos, listed on the Eurolist of Euronext - Comp B, is part of SBF 120 and the Mid- 100 Index, adheres to the Next Prime segment and is eligible to the Deferred Settlement System. Isin FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP

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