3 News dominates in 18-49 demographic. Sunrise and Nightline grow

August has seen 3 News consolidate its lead over competitor ONE News in the key 18-49 audience demographic.

Amongst 18-49 year olds – TV3’s target demographic – 3 News held a 31.3% share of the audience compared with ONE News’ 27.5%.

3 News also made gains in TV ONE’s target audience of 25-54 year olds, compared with August 2008. This month saw 3 News record a share of 31.4% in 2009, neck-and-neck with ONE News, which had a share of 31.9%.

“The 3 News team works around the clock to bring great news content to New Zealanders,” said TV3 Director of News and Current Affairs, Mark Jennings.

“It’s pleasing to see them rewarded with excellent viewership.”

Year-to-date figures also show that TV3’s News and Current Affairs programmes across the board have enjoyed audience growth in the 18-49 demographic in 2009, compared to the first eight months of 2008.

Highlights include the performance of Nightline and Sunrise. TV3’s late night news programme increased its year-to-date audience by 9.5% in the 18-49 demographic and 19.9% in the 25-54 demographic.

Sunrise has enjoyed exceptional audience growth so far in 2009, with a 110.3% increase in the 18-49 viewership, and a 71.9% increase in the 25-54 demographic, compared with the year-to-date figures for 2008.

“All our shows are delivering great audiences,” said Mr Jennings.

“I’m very happy with the performance of Nightline, which dominates the late night news landscape, and Sunrise, which is continuing to make terrific progress in its second year on air.”

August also saw New Zealanders embrace The Big Night In, TV3’s 23-hour live Telethon event, which raised more than $2,000,000 for charity, and was watched by 52.5% of the population, with a reach of 2,083,100 viewers.

- TV3

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