UKTV is ‘fastest growing’ TV network

Broadcaster UKTV was the UK’s fastest growing TV network in the first six months of the year, according to data from viewer measurement company BARB.

The network, which includes channels Watch, Gold, Dave, Alibi, Yesterday, Blighty, Eden, Home, Really and Good Food averaged a 4.41% share of viewing, up 14% year-on-year. Flagship entertainment channel Watch passed the million-viewer mark 26 times (consolidated year-to-date) and the channel now averages a 0.51% share. Male skewing channel Dave increased its parent channel numbers by 21%, with a growth of 12% in pay homes year-on-year.

UKTV, which is operated jointly by commercial broadcaster the BBC and Scripps Networks International, saw the greatest growth from reality TV channel Really, which launched on the Freeview DTT network last August. Its audience reach increased by 997% year-on-year.