1 - 7 June 2000

Over 64,000 households use di-ve text on TVM

by a staff reporter

Over 64,000 households are using di-ve text, TVM's teletext service, research carried out recently has revealed, with the lotto results the main favourite among users.

"The last time we conducted the research was in July 1999, and then RAI was the most widely used teletext service. It is obvious that the new di-ve text service launched in October has gained in popularity among our audience and with more quality information being aired, we are certain that this will continue to grow. Over the coming weeks we will be giving special coverage for Euro 2000 and upgrading our financial news section," Paul Cachia, from di-ve text's editorial team said.

The results also show that the most widely used service on di-ve text is the Lotto results page. This is followed by sports, TV listings and news.

Andrew Psaila, CEO of PBS said "these results are very encouraging. In the past we have had very limited use of our text services so interest might have been low. But now that we have a fully-fledged professionally run service and that we are promoting the service, we have seen a lot of interest from our audience. We intend to continue to build on our relationship with di-ve to ensure that we retain the number one spot."

The research also showed that per eyeball di-ve text offers one of the cheapest ways to advertise. "When one considers that teletext is in practically every household, at no additional cost to the audience and accessible through the use of a television remote, then it is easy to realise why it is so popular. Add to this the fact that it is available 24 hours at the convenience of the audience, this gives you an explanation why in places like the UK teletext attracts a huge advertising spend.

"Now that the service is up and running and we have the audience, we are seeing a lot of interest from the local advertising industry to see how they can exploit this effective medium. At the moment we are developing a Trade Fair directory which should prove to be very popular," Simone Ellul, who leads the di-ve sales team, said.

di-ve text can be reached on tel: 489500. di-ve is a brand of Terranet Ltd, a subsidiary of Maltacom plc.