Record ratings for 3 News and growth for Sunrise

July has seen 3 News strengthen its lead over competitor One News in key audience demographics.

3 News has hit a record high of audience ratings for a month in both 18-49 and 25-54 demographics. Meanwhile, One News has recorded its lowest ever audience share in these demographics.

Amongst 18-49 year olds 3 News held a 35.1% share of the audience compared with One’s 26.2% (a decline of 18% compared to July 2008).

In TV One’s target audience of 25-54 year olds 3 News led the audience with a 34.2% share, compared with One’s 31.4% share (a decline of 17% compared to July 2008).

There has also been dramatic change in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region, which has seen 3 News up 53% from a year ago to a 36.8% share amongst 18-49 year olds. One News declined in the region by 41% over the same period to 27.2 %.

“July has been an excellent month for us overall. The Waikato/Bay of Plenty has historically been a challenging region for TV3, but it’s great to see viewers in that area following the nationwide trend of choosing 3 News as their preferred news source,” said TV3 Director of News and Current Affairs, Mark Jennings.

Sunrise has also enjoyed growth from a year ago. Among 18-49 year olds the programme’s audience share is up 65% compared to July 2008. In Auckland Sunrise share is up 83% from a year ago among 18-49 year olds.

“The entire Sunrise team has been working incredibly hard – and it’s really good to see the audience responding to that effort and watching the show in greater numbers,” said Mr Jennings.

-TV3

Average viewers for 23rd – 29th July 2009 viewers 5+:

NZI Business (6–6:30am) 47,700
ASB Business (6:30–7am) 13,680

Breakfast 124,830
Sunrise 34,340

ONE News Midday 134,520
3 News at Twelve 39,180

ONE News 658,980
3 News 411,280

Close Up 552,960
Campbell Live 242,100

Tonight 145,440
Nightline 142,990

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