It was a record year for television viewing in 2008, with the average person watching 3 hours 8 minutes per day, up 8.6 per cent from 2007.

"With strong ratings for local news and current affairs programmes as well as locally produced drama, sport and comedy, New Zealand has never been better served by its broadcasters, and the public is proving that by watching television in record numbers," said NZTBC Chief Executive Rick Friesen.It was a record year for television viewing in 2008, with the average person watching 3 hours 8 minutes per day, up 8.6 per cent from 2007.

"With strong ratings for local news and current affairs programmes as well as locally produced drama, sport and comedy, New Zealand has never been better served by its broadcasters, and the public is proving that by watching television in record numbers," said NZTBC Chief Executive Rick Friesen."Despite the proliferation and growth of new and alternative media, it is pleasing to see a traditional media like television growing in the current environment. As many experts predicted, it seems that content from these newer media outlets are helping grow interest in traditional television programming," said Mr Friesen.

Not only was each viewer watching more television, but there were also more viewers. 3,924,400 people watched television last year, compared to 3,824,600 in 2007.

On average, 35.6% of the entire population (5+) was watching television during the peak viewing period of 6pm to 10:30pm, an increase of 4.7% over 2007. On average 2,452,600 people tuned in to television at some point each evening, up from 2,360,400 in 2007.

(All viewing statistics courtesy AGB Nielsen Media Research)

Press Release: NZ Television Broadcasters Council

15/01/09