TV3 Group audience up 57% and on-demand service grows

Flagship channel enjoyed a 26% rise in viewers as newbie Be3 delivers 2.6% share

TV3 group managing director Pat Kiely launching its rebranded channels in December
TV3 group managing director Pat Kiely launching its rebranded channels in December

The newly strengthened TV3 Group saw viewership rise by more than 50 per cent in January, with its flagship channel enjoying a 26 per cent year-on-year jump in audience growth.

TV3 said its newest channel Be3, delivered a 2.6 per cent share of viewing in its first month on air, making its the sixth most watched channel in the country, ahead of TG4 and Channel 4.

Be3 is a “female-focused” channel, which was formerly UTV Ireland until it was acquired for €10 million from ITV.

Viewing of the group’s channels combined increased 57 per cent versus January 2016.

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The broadcaster's second channel 3e, which is aimed at 15-to-44-year-olds with a focus on light entertainment, grew its audience share by 53 per cent year-on-year, helped by its showing of Celebrity Big Brother last month.

3player, TV3 Group’s digital on-demand service, also delivered impressive growth, with plays of its online content up 94 per cent in January.

Charlie Taylor

Charlie Taylor

Charlie Taylor is a former Irish Times business journalist