BBC reveals ratings boost for digital channels

by Joe Lepper, Brand Republic 14-Dec-05, 15:20

LONDON - The BBC has reported significant growth in audience share and reach for its portfolio of digital channels, including BBC Three and CBeebies.

Latest figures for the end of the year show BBC's digital channels now have a reach of 17m, up 21% on last year's figure. In terms of audience share this has risen from 3.3% to 3.6%.

The corporation sees recent critical hits, such as BBC Four's political sitcom 'The Thick of It' and BBC Three's comedy thriller 'Funland', as key to the recent success.

BBC Three has performed particularly well with its annual primetime share among digital homes growing by 27%, the second highest growth of the year behind E4.

Other BBC Three shows, which have helped push the channel forward, include 'Casanova', starring new 'Doctor Who' David Tennant, and the second series of the dark comedy 'Nighty Night'.

BBC News 24 has also done well, with its average weekly reach increasing by 25% from 4m to 5m. However, audience share has remained stable at 0.6%, although it might now benefit from the demise of ITV's rolling news channel ITV News.

Jana Bennett, BBC director of television, said: "Last year, our digital channels reached 41.5% of digital viewers and this year that figure has risen to 44%.

"This is a significant growth when set within the context of the remorseless expansion of the multichannel universe."

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