New commissions dominate Channel 4's most watched programmes of 2012

19 December 2012

New programmes have dominated Channel 4's list of most watched shows in 2012, with new commissions accounting for 74% (37) of the top 50 programmes broadcast on the main channel in 2012 - and 77% (22) of the top 30.

Amongst them are a range of successful new titles launched in 2012 that have already been commissioned to return in 2013 including The Undateables, Derek,  Stephen Fry: Gadget Man, George Clarke's Amazing Spaces, 999: What's Your Emergency, The Hoarder Next Door and  16 Kids and Counting  - as well as the return of hit US drama, Homeland.   

Channel 4's most popular programme of 2012 was The Paralympics 2012 Opening Ceremony, which averaged 7.9 million viewers and peaked with 11.6 million - the channel's biggest audience in over a decade.  Over the course of the Games, Channel 4's coverage reached 39.9 million people - 69% of the UK population.

Despite the exceptional summer of live events on British television, Channel 4's share of audience across its portfolio is 11.4% for the year-to-date, just -1% on 2011.  

Channel 4 has continued to stem decline on its main channel with a current year-to-date share of viewing for Channel 4 (including 4Seven) of 6.6%.  This is down -3% compared to the 6.8% share across 2011; the joint smallest decline in share in five years on the channel (2011 was -3% vs 2010). 

The success of new content on the main channel has helped drive gains across the board in the 9pm slot , with a +1% increase year-on-year for all individuals (+3% including 4Seven); +2% for 16-34s (+4% including 4Seven); and +1% amongst ABC1s (+3% including 4Seven). 

It has been a successful year for Channel 4's digital channels, with the group up +1% across 2012 so far.  E4, which recorded its best month ever for its share of its target 16-34 audience in September, increased its share across that demographic by +3% in 2012.  More4 also celebrated its best month for individuals in September.

Channel 4 has won a host of awards in 2012, including three Broadcast Awards, 10 RTS Programme Awards, three RTS Journalism Awards, five Bafta Television Awards, five Broadcast Digital Awards; as well as Emmys won for Homeland, and an International Emmy for Black Mirror.

Commercially, Channel 4 Sales has again had a strong year with share of commercial impacts for both of its key target demographics up year-on-year.  For 16-34s, it is currently up +2% at 32% SOCI; and for ABC1 adults, currently up +3% at 28% SOCI.

4oD continues to be the leading commercial VOD service - with over 412m VoD views across 2012 year-to-date - up +6% year-on-year.  Over six million viewers have now chosen to register with Channel 4 as part of its viewer engagement and data strategy - at a rate of over 10,000 a week over 2012.

Figures are calculated using BARB consolidated data 1st Jan to 3rd December vs same period 2011.

 

Notes to editors:

Full list of top 50 programmes on Channel 4 attached below.  Calculated using BARB consolidated data and based on series average.