Trends in audience share

The most important audience share ratings period is generally considered to be the evening period between 6 pm and midnight, which is when most people watch television. Each metropolitan and regional market is rated separately but it is the collective ratings performance in the five metropolitan markets (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide) during the evening period that is the most commonly cited measure of network popularity with audiences.

During the 26-year period between 1983 and 2008, the three commercial networks have dominated the audience ratings on free-to-air television with an average share of 83 per cent; however, this has fallen to 79.5 per cent in the past ten years and to 76.9 per cent in 2008. Over that same period, the ratings of the two public, non-commercial broadcasters – ABC and SBS – have each risen fairly steadily.

Historically, Nine usually topped the ratings with Seven in a strong second position and Ten a distant third. However, in 2007, Seven displaced Nine as the top-rating network; in 2008, it increased its lead.

Ratings in the five metropolitan markets, 6 pm to midnight, 1983–2008

Source: 1983 to 1990, McNair Anderson; 1991 to 2000, ACNielsen; and from January 2001, OzTAM. Averages compiled by the Screen Australia.

Notes:
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding.
Figures are per cent shares of free-to-air viewing, excluding subscription television, videos and out-of-market stations. Figures include the Olympics (weeks 38 to 41 in 2000).
Any comparison between data before and after January 2001 should take into account that a different audience measurement system has applied since that date.
1. Prior to June 2008, share for ABC is based on ABC1 only; from 1 June 2008 it is based on ABC1 and ABC2.