Timeshift viewing reaches record levels
Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 1:43 pm
The volume of timeshifted viewing reached record levels in the UK last month, accounting for 10% of total TV consumption, according to research by audience measurement body BARB.
Timeshifted viewing covers any programmes watched non-live through personal video recorders, DVD recorders, VCRs and catch-up services (through the TV) seven days after transmission.
After studying the total viewing across the top ten TV channels during the week ending September 25, BARB found that drama is the most timeshifted genre of programming, at 20%.
This was followed by soaps at 16%, documentaries at 15% and entertainment programmes at 13%. Among individuals with a PVR service such as Sky+ or Freeview+, this proportion rose to 32% for drama, 26% for soaps, 23% for documentaries and 21% for entertainment.
BARB found that timeshifting varies depending on demographic group, with adults aged between 25 to 34 the most likely group to watch shows outside the broadcast schedule, at 16% during the week.
The organisation also said that 48% of timeshifted viewing takes place on the same day as the live broadcast, known as VOSDAL (Viewing On The Same Day As Live).
A report published last year indicated that the majority of on-demand viewing is done by people catching up on missed TV shows, casting doubt on the supposed death of the linear schedule.
