[PRESS RELEASE FROM SBS]
SBS’s audience share continued to rise in 2008 with the network achieving its best ever primetime share of people 16plus: 6.2 per cent, up from 6 per cent in 2007.
This continues strong audience growth for SBS with share rising from 5.1 per cent in 2003 – an increase of 22 per cent in the last five years. 2009 is also shaping up to be a strong year for SBS with ratings records already broken over the summer.
Australian content has been a hit with audiences with series three of Food Safari and new crime drama Carla Cametti PD consistently featuring in SBS’s weekly top ten programs.
The Australian content will continue later this year with second series of The Circuit, East West 101 and the local version of Who Do You Think You Are?.
A strong sporting line-up including the Ashes cricket series and the Tour de France will also draw audiences to SBS in 2009.
“This demonstrates that audiences are appreciating SBS’s commitment to and increased investment in quality Australian programming,” Managing Director Shaun Brown said.
“While audience figures are only one measure of success, the fact that SBS’s audience share has consistently risen is testament to the quality television we are both commissioning and acquiring.
“My personal highlight for 2008 was the broadcast of the landmark documentary series First Australians. After a painstaking seven years of research and preparation, it was a significant documentary series that will continue to impact on Australians for many years to come.
“2009 promises to be even bigger and better for SBS.”