The Seven Network reports being Australia’s most-watched television and digital network in the first half of 2024, while Network 10’s 10 Play reports its biggest year ever, up 37% year-on-year.
Nine will release its half-year report on August 28.
Across the first six months of the year, Seven had a total TV commercial share of 40.9% in all people, compared to Nine Network’s 39.1% share and Network Ten’s 20%.
Seven has increased its share among all people, 25 to 54s and grocery shoppers. Seven was #1 among grocery shoppers with a 41.3% share.
7plus’ BVOD share jumped from 33.8% in the first half of 2023 to 36.2% this year, with a 39% increase in minutes watched.
Seven West Media managing director and chief executive officer, Jeff Howard, said: “Seven leads the field as the most-watched TV and digital network in Australia, capturing more viewers than anyone else.
“With the most-watched news, breakfast show, winter sport, game show and lifestyle program, plus a strong slate of entertainment content, we’ve shown consistent scheduling and consistent leadership across the first six months of 2024. We were #1 in 15 of the first 26 weeks of the year and the home of the most popular programs.
“7plus continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to the great content on Seven, the popular shows from our NBCUniversal partnership, and its ever-growing library of exclusive content. It will get even stronger later this year when we add AFL and cricket to the 7plus platform for the first time,” he said.
Group managing director, Seven Television, Angus Ross, said: “Seven’s success in the first half once again demonstrates our ability to reach and engage with many Australians with the news, sport and entertainment content they want, on whatever screen they are using.
“Our content ‘spine’ shows – Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Chase Australia, 7NEWS, Home and Away and Better Homes and Gardens – remain #1 in their timeslots. The AFL stands tall as Australia’s favourite winter sport, while our 7.30pm entertainment shows including Australian Idol, Farmer Wants A Wife and The 1% Club are extremely strong brands.”
Network 10 reached over 22.6 million Australians in the first half of 2024, with 10’s comedies seeing year-on-year growth for Have You Been Paying Attention? up 4%, The Cheap Seats up 7%, and Taskmaster Australia up 9%.
10 Play has also achieved its biggest year yet and is up 37% on 2023. Network 10 states 10 Play reaches over 2.5 million Australians every single month, and monthly reach has grown 30% on 2023. Live stream viewing is up 61% on 2023, with record live stream audiences across entertainment, news and sport.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Australian Survivor and MasterChef Australia achieved their biggest audiences on 10 Play. 10’s Deal Or No Deal has also lifted 10’s 6 pm timeslot by 26%.
The CommBank Matildas attracted the biggest audience for a Football match ever on 10, in their second friendly game with China PR. Together, the Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas matches have reached 9.48 million Australians in their 2023/24 season and achieved their biggest-ever digital audiences.
Daniel Monaghan, SVP content and programming, Paramount Australia, said: “As the home of Australia’s favourite comedies we’re so happy to see them thrive. 10’s comedies are growing their audiences year on year, winning their timeslots, are the most watched entertainment programs and resonate with younger audiences. It is clear audiences want to sit down and laugh together, from Robert and Julia to Mel and Tim, or any of our weekly shows hosted by someone called Tom, we take immense pride in the success of our comedy and entertainment lineup.
“The first half of 2024 was filled with must-watch moments including the magic of the Matildas, Feras Basal being named sole survivor, Skye Wheatley being crowned Queen Of The Jungle, just to name a few. And there is so much more to come. The second half of 2024 kicks off with the crowning of a new MasterChef, an adrenaline-fueled premiere of Hunted: The Million Dollar Heist, more laughs from Thank God You’re Here, a fast tracked third season of Taskmaster and hilarious pranks from The Inspired Unemployed [Impractical] Jokers.”
Rod Prosser, chief sales officer, Paramount Australia, said: “This year, we’ve seen exceptional results for Australia’s favourite free-to-air shows and sporting events on 10, with some shows growing their audiences year-on-year. Our Total TV advertising opportunities are unmatched, with our premium, brand-safe content on linear and BVOD platforms consistently engaging younger, more active viewers than our competitors.
“10 Play is having its best year ever, significantly boosting total viewing. We’re leveraging this digital audience with cutting-edge digital ad products, including dynamic video capabilities that deliver personalised experiences at scale, interactive and immersive ad experiences, and performance-driven solutions that meet the market’s need for effective campaigns.”