UKTV is fast approaching both Channel 5 and Sky-branded portfolios after recording its best Christmas on record.
The Share of Commerical Impacts (SOCI) reached an all-time high of 9.27% in the year to December 26. According to the BBC Worldwide and Scripps Network Interactive-owned network, this puts the home of Gold, Dave and Really just behind the Channel 5 portfolio (9.26%) and Sky branded channels (9.25%).
UKTV is attributing the success to an increased investment in original programming. Shows included Storage Hunters UK Celebrity Special and Dave Gorman Modern Life is Goodish helped towards a fifth successive year of growth.
UKTV’s chief financial and operations officer Jan Gooze-Zijl, said, “UKTV’s success is because we have taken risks and experimented with our content mix, ensuring viewers needs are at the heart of everything we do. For the first time in our history we are on a par with both Sky and Channel 5’s full portfolios which is testament to the hard work of all 270 staff members based here in Hammersmith.”
Sunday 27 December broke all records and propelled UKTV to its highest daily share ever, 7.62% and the network enjoyed its most successful Boxing Day (6.69%), New Year’s Eve (6.94%) and New Year’s Day (6.91%). UKTV Play also had a very successful Christmas period with a 66% increase in app downloads in December versus November.