NEWS22 August 2016

UK commercial TV continues to grow

UK — Commercial TV viewing (non-BBC channels) on a TV set in the UK increased to two hours, 24 minutes per day in the first half of this year, according to new research from Thinkbox, the marketing body for commercial TV in the UK.

This is a one minute increase on the same period last year and a seven minute increase on figures from a decade ago.

The figures from Thinkbox revealed that total TV viewing (including BBC channels) had decreased slightly year-on-year to three hours, 34 minutes. Commercial TV’s share of total TV viewing has increased to 67.4% (from 66% for the same period in 2015 ).

The figures are based on Barb (Broadcaster’s Audience Research Board) figures, which take into account viewing in home on a TV set within seven days of the original broadcast. When viewing on other devices, out of home or after seven days is taken into account, total TV viewing increases to three hours 42 minutes.

"TV is thriving on all screens, but the importance of TV channels on TV sets cannot be overlooked," said Matt Hill, research and planning director at Thinkbox. "They remain the first port of call for the majority of people of all ages."