UKTV, the joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Scripps Networks Interactive, has reported record ratings, revenue and profit in 2014, driven by its continued investment in exclusive and original programming.
The British broadcaster’s £123 million investment in content saw share of commercial impacts increase 9.4% year on year, while other broadcasters fell by 3.7% collectively over the same period.
One of the broadcaster’s most popular channels, Dave, maintained its position as the most-watched non-PSB channel in the country, while UKTV saw revenues hit £283 million – up from £278 million in 2013 to become the broadcaster’s highest ever.
“UKTV has now grown its share of the British commercial TV market to 9.4%, making our portfolio of channels vital for advertisers,” said chief executive Darren Childs.
“This is the first time in the history of British television that a non-PSB channels business has played such a big role in the ratings, but expect much more from us. This is just the groundwork to ensure long term, future success for UKTV.”
Original British programmes such as Storage Hunters UK and Dave Gorman: Modern Life is Goodish were amongst the network’s top performing titles, which UKTV said demonstrates the “increasing strength” of its commissioning power.
“We are significantly increasing our investment in brilliant content, both in what we spend on our outstanding UK originations and in our enviable collection of ‘best in class’ acquisitions from BBC as well as from C4, ITV and overseas,” added Childs.
“We pay relentless attention to our ever-increasing reach and distribution, ensuring modern British viewers can enjoy our vibrant channels and imaginative shows, whichever kind of television provision and technology they have: free, pay or online only.”
