TV3′s news “top choice” in 25-54 demo

More 25-54 year olds now watch TV3’s News and Current affairs stable than those of any other network, including direct competitor TV ONE.

In April, 1,602,100 of New Zealanders in TV3’s target 25-54 demographic watched Firstline, 3 News, Campbell Live, Nightline, The Nation or 60 Minutes for their news, compared with 1,578,900 watching Business, Breakfast, ONE News, Close Up, Tonight. Q&A or Sunday on TV ONE.

A key contributor to TV3’s audience reach is newcomer Firstline, which is attracting new viewers to early morning television, and to TV3’s News and Current Affairs programming as a whole.

Director of News and Current Affairs, Mark Jennings, says the high ratings reflect New Zealand’s increasing appetite for more sophisticated news coverage and analysis.

“The success of Firstline shows there is a growing market for a serious news programme in the mornings, and that viewers are turning away from fluff and a forced style of presenting,” he says.

“From Firstline to Nightline, we are committed to delivering the most up-to-date and informative news service in New Zealand.

“Moving ahead of TV ONE in its core demographic is very pleasing, and we look forward to providing Kiwis with in-depth coverage of the Rugby World Cup and the Election in future months”.

Firstline ended the month of April with a solid average 11.7% share in the 25-54 demographic. In contrast, TV ONE’s Breakfast lost share for the second consecutive month, ending April down 12% compared to March.

3 News ratings also increased in April. The 25-54 audience grew by 4% compared with the March figures, while ONE News’ audience was marginally down in the same demographic.

- TV3