SBS 2’s broadcast of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2014 saw the channel record its highest audience for the year-to-date, with an average combined metro and regional audience of 205,000 (137,000 metro and 68,000 regional).
The coverage reached 426,000 viewers (285,000 metro and 141,000 regional) based on five minute consecutive viewing.
The previous most viewed program on SBS 2 in 2014 was Kung Fu Hustle on 15 January, which attracted an average combined metro and regional audience of 165,000 (121,000 metro and 44,000 regional).
Director of Television, SBS Tony Iffland said: “The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an iconic Australian cultural event and is the perfect fit for SBS 2, which is about broadcasting relevant, creative and bold event television for younger audiences. We’re thrilled with the results oflast night’s coverage and are proud that SBS 2, our channel for emerging culture from across the world, broadcast this event free-to-air to all Australians.”
SBS 2’s broadcast of the 2014 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras saw the event return to free-to-air TV after 12 years. Hosted by comedian Tom Ballard, Walkley nominated journalist and presenter on SBS 2’s The Feed Patrick Abboud, and actress and musician Heather Peace, SBS 2’s coverage showcased the best of the parade, capturing the spectacular floats and outrageous costumes with a variety of feature reports about the parade participants.
The broadcast is available for catch up at SBS ONDEMAND http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/
SBS Subscription channel STUDIO will show the full encore screening on Foxtel, Channel 132 tonight at 9pm.
Source: OzTAM 5 City Metro + RegTAM Regional FTA Database; 5 City Metro + Combined Aggregated Regional Markets inc WA; 1-Jan-2014 to 2-Mar-2014; Total Individuals inc Guests; SBS 2; Consolidated (Live + As Live + TSV) to 22-Feb-2014, Overnight (Live + As Live) from 23-Feb-2014 onwards; Average Audience and 5 Minute Consecutive Reach.