Television Viewing Hours Increase

News Release 5 March 2001

NZ Television Broadcasters’ Council

Television Viewing Hours Increase

The average time spent watching television in 2000 increased over 1999. New Zealanders, on average, spent 2hours, 48 minutes watching television daily, which was up on 1999.

This daily total represents average weekly viewing of 19 hours 36 minutes. (This compares with the lowest weekly viewing figures over the past decade of 18 hours 33 minutes in 1993.)

The year 2000 produced the second highest viewing years in the past ten years according to the New Zealand Television Broadcasters’ Council, which released the figures today. Viewing in 1998 was the highest for the decade from 1991- 2000 at 2hours, 50 minutes.

Demographic viewing figures released today show that the increase in viewing time occurred amongst viewers over the age of 55 and young viewers between the ages of 5 and 14 years. Those two groups watched more television than the year before. In prime time between 6 pm and 10.30 pm, the biggest increase was amongst 15-24 years old and the household shoppers with children category.

Bruce Wallace, Executive Director of the NZTBC, which represents the free to air television networks, said “the increase is small but significant and clearly shows that the television is offering improved programming both in the evening and during the day”.

The figures are based on the PeopleMeter service operated by the international market research firm, ACNielsen that has statistically selected 470 households throughout New Zealand to provide statistics of actual viewing patterns. This service is relied on by programmers and advertisers to make major decisions on television expenditure.

Contact Details:
Bruce Wallace 04 499 1028 (Bus)
Executive Director (025) 944-853

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