Viacom-owned Channel 5 secured the largest audience growth of any public service broadcaster in the UK in 2017, gaining 5% to achieve a 6.51% share of all TV viewing.
This, according to Viacom, was its best performance since 2004.
Its portfolio of channels saw the highest-ever annual share of viewing (SOV) amongst both ABC1s and 16-34 year-old TV viewers.
Viacom channels are growing audiences and are now watched by 8.4% of all TV viewers in the UK. Comedy Central grew its 16-34 audience by 11% and achieved its best year on record in 2017, while MTV achieved its second highest annual share for 16-34s. Meanwhile, Nickelodeon grew 7% and has become the number one ranked kids network in pay-TV homes, ahead of BBC Kids and Disney, and Nick Jr achieved its best year on record.
Commenting on this performance, James Currell, president of Viacom’s UK operations, said: “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. 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.”
