Discovery UK claims record quarter for audience share
Details
Joseph O'Halloran
| 29 April 2019

Celebrating its thirtieth year, Discovery UK has posted its strongest-ever quarterly ratings in the first three months of 2019 according to research carried out by YouGov.

The data showed that the company grew its over 16 audience 14% year-on-year to 3.13% including the acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive. This was closely followed by the portfolio’s strongest Easter performance with adult share up 8% year-on-year to nearly 4%.

Discovery Channel remained the leading pay-factual channel and grew its peak time adult share by 11% year-on-year. It also grew share of 16-34s by 14% year-on-year. Performance was driven by new episodes of core franchises Gold Rush and Wheeler Dealers which hit rating highs of 578k and 343k respectively. New Ed Stafford commission First Man Out was a breakout success improving slot average by 71%. According to YouGov popularity rankings, Discovery Channel was the most popular paid-for TV Channel in the UK in the survey period.

Looking at Discovery UK's individual channels, Quest Red enjoyed its best-ever quarter in Q1, up 19% year-on-year for adult share. In 2019 the channel also had its best week (week seven), and best month (February) ever with particular success for ratings with My 600lb Life, hitting five out of ten of Quest’s Red top ratings year-to-date and pulling in a high of 186,000. In April, Katie Price: My Crazy Life s3 averaged 191,000 and drawing record numbers to QuestOD.

Commenting on the record ratings, James Gibbons, EVP GM Discovery UK/ANZ and head of commercial development EMEA, said: “It’s been a fantastic start to the year for Discovery’s UK business. Our portfolio share is up – our long running franchises and local commissions are performing strongly across our channels. We are delighted that fans are enjoying the wide breadth of content on offer across our portfolio.”