Religious Videos and Software Poised for Strong Growth, as Market for Traditional Products Begins to Cool

NEW YORK, NY, Jul 22 (MARKET WIRE) --
Growth in the market for religious products (books, music, video,
software, gifts) over the next five years will be fueled by a burgeoning
market for religious-oriented video and software, according to an updated
study from Packaged Facts, "Religious Publishing and Products Market in
the U.S."

Traditionally -- and still today -- books have captured the lion's share
of the religious products market, which the Packaged Facts study values
at $6 billion. The overall market jumped 21%, or $1 billion, between 2004
and 2008. However the study estimates that revenue will decline over the
next two years before rebounding to regain ground by 2013.

Perhaps affected most dramatically by changing market forces is the
religious books segment. As recently as 2006, evangelical publishers were
comfortably ensconced on top of the category, with Zondervan being the
only evangelical leader with ties to a mainstream media giant (News
Corp.). As of spring 2008, however, a drastic reversal has occurred. Now
the mainstream giants are suddenly on top, with the old evangelical
stalwarts struggling against a corporate juggernaut.

"The booming frontiers for the RPP market are in video and software,
segments where scores of small independents have recently entered. In the
past the number of entrants was constrained by the capital-intensive
nature of the technology involved," notes Tatjana Meerman, Publisher of
Packaged Facts. "With digital video and processing technology having
fallen drastically in price, however, the door has been opened for an
inrush of entrepreneurs."

Packaged Facts' updated report, "Religious Publishing and Products Market
in the U.S., 6th Edition," analyzes in depth the broad and complex trends
affecting the religious products market. The report examines the market
for three sectors of religious products (books, inspirational
gifts/merchandise and audio/visual/software), with major marketers,
distributors and retailers of these products profiled. The report also
provides current market size and growth estimates (2004-2008) and
five-year projections (2009-2013). For further information visit:
www.packagedfacts.com/Religious-Publishing-Products-1692979/

Packaged Facts publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer
industries, including consumer goods and retailing, foods and beverages,
demographics, pet, and financial products. Packaged Facts also offers a
full range of custom research services. For more information visit
www.packagedfacts.com, or contact Jenn Tekin at 240-747-3015 or
jtekin@marketresearch.com.

Contact:
Jenn Tekin
240-747-3015
jtekin@marketresearch.com.

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