Channel 5 Audience Share up to 6.51% in 2017

The Viacom owned broadcaster’s portfolio of channels delivered an audience share of 6.51%, up 5% year-on-year – representing the largest year-on-year audience growth of any terrestrial broadcaster portfolio during 2017 and C5’s strongest overall ratings performance for 13 years.

Channel 5’s portfolio of channels – which includes Channel 5, Channel 5 HD, 5Star, 5USA, 5Spike and My5 – is home to a wealth of U.S. scripted acquisitions including The X-Files (Channel 5), Will & Grace (Channel 5), Chicago PD (5USA), Fresh Off The Boat (5Star) and Six (5Spike).

The channels also delivered their highest-ever annual share of viewing amongst both ABC1 with an audience share of 5.58% Across the year, the Channel 5 portfolio also managed to record its joint highest ever annual share of viewing for 16-34s, 5Spike was a particular stand-out when it comes to ratings growth, registering a 32% increase in share of all individuals (4+).

The strong performance of the Channel 5 portfolio contributed to a strong overall year for parent company Viacom, whose overall share grew to 8.4% in 2017. Comedy Central UK has its best ever year with a record audience share of 1.84%; while MTV, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr all registered strong ratings as well.

“It speaks volumes for the strength of Channel 5’s performance last year that it gained share from its rivals and won over new audiences in the most intense competitive environment I can remember”, said James Currell, President for Viacom’s UK operations. “It is clear proof our investment in reinventing Channel 5’s schedule is paying off and is contributing strongly to the overall growth of our UK business.”