The most important audience share ratings period
is generally considered to be the evening period between 6:00pm and
midnight, which is when most people watch television. The metropolitan
and regional markets are rated separately but it is the collective ratings
performance in the five metropolitan markets during the evening period
that is the most commonly cited measure of network popularity with audiences.
During the 25-year period between 1983 and
2007, the three commercial networks have dominated the audience ratings,
with the Nine Network usually on top, the Seven Network in a strong
second position and the Ten Network a distant third. Over that same
period, the ratings of the ABC and SBS networks have each risen fairly
steadily.
During 2007, the Seven Network displaced the
Nine Network as the top-rating network. It was only the second time
in 25 years that the Nine Network had not finished in first position.
Next update to be advised
Ratings in the five metropolitan markets, 6 pm
to midnight, 1983–2007
Network
Last 25 years
average
Last 10 years
average
2007
Nine
31.4
30.4
26.9
Seven
29.1
28.1
29.1
Ten
22.8
21.6
21.9
Subtotal
83.2
80.1
77.9
ABC
13.7
15.4
16.7
SBS
3.1
4.6
5.5
Subtotal
16.8
19.9
22.2
Total
100.0
100.0
100.0
Source: 1983 to 1990, McNair Anderson; 1991 to
2000, ACNielsen; and from January 2001, OzTAM. Averages compiled by
the AFC.
Notes:
Figures are per cent shares of free-to-air viewing, excluding pay television,
videos and out-of-market stations. Figures include the Olympics (weeks
38 to 41 in 2000).
Figures may not total exactly due to rounding.
Any comparison between data before and after January 2001 should take
into account that a different audience measurement system has applied
since that date.
Ratings: Trends
