Media outlets such as ESPN and Fox Sports often have Web sites that provide
in-depth coverage of news and events. Portions of these Web sites are
restricted to members who pay a monthly subscription to gain access to
exclusive news and commentary. These Web sites typically offer a free trial
period to introduce viewers to the Web site. Assume that during a recent
fiscal year, ESPN.com spent \(\$ 1,800,000\) on a promotional campaign for the
ESPN.com Web site that offered two free months of service for new subscribers.
In addition, assume the following information:
\(\begin{array}{ll}\text { Number of months an average new customer stays with
the } & \\ \text { service (including the two free months) } & 25 \text {
months } \\ \text { Revenue per month per customer subscription } & \$ 10.00
\\\ \text { Variable cost per month per customer subscription } & \$
2.00\end{array}\)
Determine the number of new customer accounts needed to break even on the cost
of the promotional campaign. In forming your answer, (1) treat the cost of the
promotional campaign as a fixed cost, and (2) treat the revenue less variable
cost per account for the subscription period as the unit contribution margin.