The 2024 television ratings year has drawn to a close, with the Seven Network emerging as the most-watched network in Total People for the fourth consecutive survey year. Meanwhile, Nine Network claimed dominance in key demographics, and Network Ten solidified its reputation as the go-to destination for younger viewers.
Seven Network: Total People leader
Seven secured a 29.8% share, followed closely by Nine at 27.6%. The ABC held a strong position with 18.6%, while Ten captured 14.7%, and SBS rounded out the top five with 9.3%. The network achieved its highest-ever audience share in a non-Olympics year, with six of the top 10 prime-time entertainment programs and an evening total TV audience averaging 961,000 viewers.
For advertisers prioritisng household decision-makers, Seven took the lead with a 30.1% share among Grocery Shoppers, narrowly ahead of Nine at 27.4%. The ABC claimed 18.2%, followed by Ten at 14.7% and SBS at 9.7%
The AFL Grand Final was the year’s highest-rated program, with a total TV audience of 4.06 million and a national reach of 6.24 million. Seven also led in news and current affairs, with 7NEWS and Sunrise remaining Australia’s most-watched evening and breakfast programs, respectively.
Digital growth played a significant role in Seven’s success, as 7plus recorded a 29% year-on-year increase in viewership, solidifying its position as the leading free streaming platform with a 43% VOD share.
The Brisbane Lions – 2024 AFL Premiers.
Seven West Media managing director and chief executive officer, Jeff Howard, said: “For the fourth year in a row, Seven was the most-watched broadcast and digital network in Australia. That success reflects our passionate focus on creating great content that connects with Australians and delivers results for our commercial partners.
Nine Network: Key demo dominance
Nine dominated the highly sought-after 25-54 demographic, leading with a 30.9% share, narrowly beating Seven at 28.3%. Ten achieved a notable 18.6%, reinforcing its appeal among younger audiences, while ABC and SBS captured 14.4% and 7.7%, respectively.
Nine’s flagship programs like Married at First Sight and The Block topped reality TV ratings, while the State of Origin series delivered impressive sports coverage, with Game 1 drawing a Total TV audience of 3.4 million.
Nine’s BVOD platform, 9Now, experienced impressive growth, leading the category with a 50.6% share in the 25-54 demo, and a 36.7% year-on-year increase in streaming minutes. Michael Stephenson, Nine’s chief sales officer, credited the success to the network’s “Total TV” strategy, blending broadcast, live streaming, and on-demand content.
“At Nine, we meticulously license, produce and schedule content to optimise viewership across these platforms, ensuring audiences have seamless access to our content in real time or on their schedule,” he said. “The impressive growth of 9Now is essential to our advertising partners and demonstrates the evolving habits of viewers who are shifting towards more flexible, on-demand viewing options.”
MAFS 2024.
Ten Network: The comedy and youth champion
Network Ten reinforced its appeal to younger audiences, securing 10 of the top 15 shows for viewers aged 16-39, including hits like Have You Been Paying Attention?, Taskmaster, and The Cheap Seats. Ten also claimed the comedy crown, with five of the top six comedies in the 25-54 demographic.
BVOD service 10 Play had a record-breaking year, with viewership up 32% year-on-year, and Paramount+ added to the momentum with local hits like Fake and Aussie Shore.
Rod Prosser, chief sales officer, Paramount Australia, said: “Our One Paramount Strategy is delivering results with consistent high-quality shows in every genre entertaining our audiences across all platforms.
“We’re thrilled to be launching Paramount Connect, a single-entry point to a unified digital ecosystem for advertisers to engage our audiences wherever and whenever they are viewing our premium content.
“We’re breaking down the silos of linear and digital providing a single customer view, offering advertisers unique opportunities across Paramount that delivers results for brands.
“Combined with innovative digital ad products and insights, as well as market-leading campaigns, products, experiences and brand integrations with Paramount Brand Studio, we’re providing unparalleled Total TV advertising opportunities to the market.
Have You Been Paying Attention?
The Numbers
Total People:
Seven: 29.8%
Nine: 27.6%
ABC: 18.6%
10: 14.7%
SBS: 9.3%
25-54:
Nine: 30.9%
Seven: 28.3%
10: 18.6%
ABC: 14.4%
SBS: 7.7%
Grocery Shoppers:
Seven: 30.1%
Nine: 27.4%
ABC: 18.2%
10: 14.7%
SBS: 9.7%
* VOZ, Shares and platform audiences “when watched” Survey Year to date (excl Easter and excluding Summer Olympics 27.7 – 11.8), Total TV National.