BBC World News viewership up 25% in latest PAX data

Media News

Mumbai, January 20, 2010

The latest Synovate PAX survey shows that daily viewership for BBC World News in Asia Pacific is up 25% year on year. BBC World News has gained 230,000 viewers per month in Asia Pacific, a far higher growth rate than other international news and business channels in the PAX survey, with some seeing their audiences falling.

The daily viewership figures are backed by a strong monthly showing for the channel, which recently overtook CNN in the key breakfast and evening peak slots in Europe. 

The latest data continues the BBC’s strong showing in the region.  Each month BBC World News and BBC websites reach a total of 3.1m upscale users in Asia. BBC World News also continues to be the choice among the well travelled and top executives. Viewership rose among C Suite executives by 17% and frequent business flyers by 68%.

Sian Kevill, Director of BBC World News, says: "Coming so soon after we overtook CNN in key slots in Europe, these are very satisfying results.  The rise in daily viewership is quite dramatic, and demonstrates the level of engagement viewers have with BBC World News.  The fact that over 3 million upscale viewers in Asia Pacific are watching the channel and accessing BBC.com also highlights the strength of our integrated offering."

The Synovate PAX study surveys pan-regional and local viewing, as well as product consumption, among affluent adults and business people in main cities in the Asia Pacific region. Currently covering up to the 3rd quarter of 2009, the study is now in its 13th year.

For further information, please contact:

BBC World News

Vidhu Aul

Tel: +91 22 30652108

Email: Vidhu.Aul@bbc.com