Is the total television audience actually growing or just shifting platforms?

Total TV audiences are returning to growth as digital gains now outweigh linear losses. Seven reported a 1.5% increase in its Total TV audience, driven by a 43% surge in online viewers that successfully offset a 1.8% decline in traditional broadcast consumption.

Are higher ratings translating into better financial performance for broadcasters?

No, there is currently a disconnect between audience growth and financial returns due to a weak advertising market. Despite increased viewership, Seven’s Total TV revenue fell 6.7% and Nine’s receipts dropped by 3.1%.

What is the main factor driving the shift to digital viewing?

Live sport remains the primary catalyst for BVOD adoption and digital audience retention. This is evidenced by Nine’s growth during the Olympics and Seven’s 43% increase in online audience, highlighting the necessity of securing digital-exclusive sports rights.

What is the biggest regulatory threat to the free-to-air business model?

The lack of technology-neutral anti-siphoning rules creates a significant structural vulnerability. Current regulations do not adequately protect free digital access to sport, threatening the 1.5% growth in Total TV audiences as viewers migrate away from traditional broadcast.

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Seven and Nine results: Audience gains show power and peril of sport

Seven's online audience surged 43% following the 7plus Sport launch, yet Total TV revenue fell 6.7% amid a sluggish ad market.

David Kennedy · Venture Insights28 February 2025Period: H1 FY254 min read

43%↑

Increase in Seven's online audience year on year

1.5%↑

Growth in Seven's Total TV audience

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Abstract

SevenWest Media and Nine Entertainment released half year results this week. Focussing on their FTA TV performance, we saw a return to growth in audiences, with BVOD growth more than offsetting declines on traditional broadcast. Sport had a lot to do with these gains. This highlights the importance of anti-siphoning rules for FTA TV’s future prospects, and points to unfinished business for anti-siphoning reform to ensure free audience access to sport is preserved.

Key Takeaways

Seven and Nine's half-year results show a return to audience growth, primarily driven by BVOD platforms.
Seven's online audience rose by 43%, offsetting a 1.8% decline in traditional broadcast viewers.
Total TV revenue for Seven fell 6.7% due to a sluggish advertising market and lower ad rates.

Seven and Nine results: Audience gains show power and peril of sport

Abstract

Key Takeaways

What's Inside

FTA TV audiences up as online offers find the mark

Sport a key driver of audiences

Why does this matter?

Frequently Asked Questions

Abstract

Key Takeaways

What's Inside

FTA TV audiences up as online offers find the mark

Sport a key driver of audiences

Why does this matter?

Frequently Asked Questions

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