Research released yesterday inserts a new voice into the debate about a la carte. To this point, we’ve heard mainly from the politicians and special interest groups, but a survey by Leichtman Research Group, Inc. in Durham, NH, solicited opinions from consumers. The results are a bit surprising. Initially, 40 percent of the 1,586 adults polled expressed interest in choosing channels individually. However, their interest dropped when informed that they’d receive fewer channels for the same price they’re paying today and would need a set-top box in order to receive channels a la carte. “The concept of being able to choose and pay for only the channels that you want initially sounds appealing to many consumers, but in assessing bona-fide interest in an a la carte offering, it is important to provide consumers with the actual implications of receiving such a service,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group. “When consumers are informed of the requirements and consequences of receiving a la carte, we find that about one out-of-six consumers are very interested in a la carte as it would appear in reality.”