Play Nice 2024 AFL TV Ratings

[The_Wookie]

Internal trials starting this weekend.

Will be keeping the ratings thread separate to the attendance thread this year.


Notes

Oztam have now moved completely to VOZ. At present this means no Fox or Kayo streams seem to be appearing on the oztam lists. Reach is now the focus of the Oztam reporting although an average for Linear is still being reported.

* NOTE: NEW METRICS AND REPORTS *​

• Total TV Overnight Top 30 and Consolidated 7 Top 30 reach is calculated using cumulative unique audiences watching 1 min of broadcast TV and 15 sec of BVOD.
• Total TV National audience is calculated using the audience average for the program as time-coded by the Network across 5CM and all regional markets nationally watching on broadcast TV.
• BVOD national audience is calculated using the total number of minutes watched (multiplied by co-viewing factor) divided by the length of the program.

Will attempt to get as much data as possible, but Oztam not making it easy any more.

 

[RussellEbertHandball]

The_Wookie do you have any Olympics or Paralympics figures for some sort of comparison, that you have posted on here or on your website or tweeted??

If so, what sort of impact has it had on ratings of AFL, NRL etc.

Or if you don't, where is the best place to dig them up from. usually the network would pump up its figures but I haven't seen anything?? just Dylan Allcot telling me millions of Australians have been watching the Paras.

 

[Bjo187]

Home	Away	Sydney	Melbourne	Brisbane	Adelaide	Perth	Metro	Regiional	VOZ Total	VOZ Reach
Port Adelaide	Geelong	35,000	294,000	34,000	142,000	39,000	544,000	229,000	773,000	2,601,000
Western Bulldogs	Hawthorn	41,000	426,000	41,000	88,000	71,000	667,000	287,000	954,000	2,434,000
Sydney	GWS	99,000	207,000	35,000	58,000	43,000	442,000	241,000	683,000	1,852,000
Brisbane	Carlton	48,000	336,000	90,000	90,000	52,000	616,000	239,000	855,000	2,383,000

Perth's ratings are disgraceful. Less than NSW and basically equal to Queensland, for a fully fledged footy state. They need to get the games on 7 main, move the news to accommodate as their ratings have been very poor for a while now. Everywhere else seems ok.

I'd love to see reach by city, but I don't know if that's offered, also, would love to see the foxtel and kayo ratings, but I couldn't find them when I looked yesterday.

 

[The_Wookie]

Perth's ratings are disgraceful. Less than NSW and basically equal to Queensland, for a fully fledged footy state. They need to get the games on 7 main, move the news to accommodate as their ratings have been very poor for a while now. Everywhere else seems ok.

I'd love to see reach by city, but I don't know if that's offered, also, would love to see the foxtel and kayo ratings, but I couldn't find them when I looked yesterday.

Not likely to get Fox, Kayo should be available tomorrow. We dont get reach city by city

 

[The_Wookie]

The_Wookie do you have any Olympics or Paralympics figures for some sort of comparison, that you have posted on here or on your website or tweeted??

Olympics I tweeted all the way through, Paralympics i havent bothered.

If so, what sort of impact has it had on ratings of AFL, NRL etc.

Or if you don't, where is the best place to dig them up from. usually the network would pump up its figures but I haven't seen anything?? just Dylan Allcot telling me millions of Australians have been watching the Paras.

 

[kranger]

Happy to be corrected, but I imagine Channel 7, Foxtel and the AFL would be hoping for a Sydney vs Brisbane GF for tv ratings?

I seem to recall Victoria, SA, WA and Tas will get similar ratings for the grand final regardless of who is playing. Perhaps a sight increase in viewers if there is a local team playing.

But for NSW and QLD there is a massive increase if there is a local team playing in the grand final.

So surely a Swans vs Lions grand final would get the largest ratings ever… and be a dream come true for the broadcasters.

 

[Bjo187]

Yes Sydney v Brisbane would rate massively.

Last night's game rated superbly. A million more than the nrl on free to air and theirs was a first final of their finals series.

It's funny I still see nrl fans online claiming more tv viewers than the afl this year though, selectively using the average metric and not realising overlapping games and non Thursday night games all year in afl plays a part. I'd like to see the overall reach figure for the year, it would be an absolute thrashing I'm sure.

 

[The_Wookie]

Saturday #AuSportTV
Saturday Night #AFL finals

Giants/Lions
Average 912,000
Reach 2.601 million

#NRL Live Final Series EF1
Average 718,000
Reach 1.530m

#NRL Live Final Series QF2
Average 567,000
Reach 1.377m

Data: VOZ


Week 1 #AFL Finals (Consolidated FTA)
Power/Cats 832,000 (rch 2.493m)
Dogs/Hawks 972,000 (2.426m)
Swans/Giants 718,000 (2.092m)
Lions/Blues 887,000 (2.342m)

 

[The_Wookie]

Melbourne only

WOMEN’S AFL: SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOOTBALL - GAME2 SEVEN 48,000
WOMEN’S AFL: SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOOTBALL SEVEN 39,000

 

[The Educator]

Massive finals numbers for the AFL on kayo

Reach of almost 800K for both matches

https://reports.oztam.com.au/?type=live

 

[Bjo187]

Honestly look at the reach and minutes difference between the afl and nrl, that doesn't even include the 1 million more on fta for the Friday night game.

It is absolutely disgraceful that nrl fans are still being lead to believe and posting everywhere that they have more tv viewers this season.

 

[The_Wookie]

AFL Week 1 Finals (Consolidated)

Home	Away	VOZ Total	VOZ Reach	BVOD Ave	BVOD Reach
Port Adelaide	Geelong	832,000	2,493,000	356,000	642,000
Western Bulldogs	Hawthorn	972,000	2,426,000	413,000	710,000
Sydney	GWS	718,000	2,092,000	369,000	750,000
Brisbane	Carlton	887,000	2,342,000	374,000	706,000

NRL Wk 1 Finals

Home	Away	Total TV	TV Reach	BVOD	BVOD Reach	Agg Ave
Penrith	Sydney	767,000	1,643,000	274000	485000	1,041,000
Melbourne	Cronulla	567,000	1,377,000	315000	535000	882,000
North Queensland	Newcastle	718,000	1,530,000	282000	498000	1,000,000
Canterbury	Manly	825,000	1,837,000			825,000

 

[The_Wookie]

 

[Bjo187]

The finals are a good measure between the afl and nrl coz they're direct head to head, not overlapping games. The usual 300k extra viewers jumps to 1 million extra viewers when directly competing, with no overlapping games etc.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

The finals are a good measure between the afl and nrl coz they're direct head to head, not overlapping games. The usual 300k extra viewers jumps to 1 million extra viewers when directly competing, with no overlapping games etc.

Not to mention that if an AFL game was the same length as an NRL game, the differences in average would be even greater (obviously). The AFL has more people watching, for longer.

Assuming a two and three hour broadcast (for example).

(1.183/3.017)*180 = 3.017 million people each watching an average of 71 minutes of broadcast.

(845/1.811)*120 = 1.811 million people each watching an average of 56 minutes of broadcast.

 

[The_Wookie]

Swans v Lions next week. Havent got Brisbane figures for 2004, but AFL annual reports for 2002-2003 have Brisbane data. Note that 301,000 in Brisbane for Easter Thursday - regular season game. Aint seen nothing like that since.

 

[parano1a]

Note that 301,000 in Brisbane for Easter Thursday - regular season game. Aint seen nothing like that since.

Different era, streaming didn't exist back then.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

Different era, streaming didn't exist back then.

It's a weird sweet spot for sports TV viewership. Some of the numbers for things like World Championship Swimming and Grand Slam Tennis finals aren't ever going to be replicated again, either.

 

[The Educator]

Different era, streaming didn't exist back then.

Which bites twice....firstly, there was no foxtel / kayo playing the exact same game without ads, secondly, there wasn't infinite alternative viewing options for the couch potato than 3 other channels or the VHS

 

[The Educator]

Not to mention that if an AFL game was the same length as an NRL game, the differences in average would be even greater (obviously). The AFL has more people watching, for longer.

Assuming a two and three hour broadcast (for example).

(1.183/3.017)*180 = 3.017 million people each watching an average of 71 minutes of broadcast.

(845/1.811)*120 = 1.811 million people each watching an average of 56 minutes of broadcast.

Exactly right.

70% more people watching 27% more game time on average is apparently best represented by the metric that attributes a 40% bigger audience

If you were to rationally answer the question of "how much bigger was the audience for the AFL over the NRL on Friday night using available data" it would be at least 70% (i.e. the difference between reach figures).

 

[The Educator]

Just looking at the Oztam (eg Kayo) figures, the AFL is up 111K (based on average) compared to the first 6 finals of last year (390K to 279K).

That is pretty huge given 3 of those games last year involved Collingwoood or Carlton compared to one this year (and they were down 60 zip at one stage)

Obviously we can't no for sure how much that is replacing fox cable versus FTA viewership without the former numbers being available.

 

[The_Wookie]

 

[Bjo187]

Is that cats v lions prelim the highest rating final in some time? That appears a massive number, even before we include foxtel and kayo.

This will just wet the AFL's appetite more for that twilight timeslot for the AFL grand final. In fact this year would have been perfect for it with Sydney and Brisbane, where you are looking to draw in the most casual viewers possible. A missed opportunity to get the biggest gf audience ever (well since streaming and all that became a thing).

 

[The_Wookie]

Is that cats v lions prelim the highest rating final in some time? That appears a massive number, even before we include foxtel and kayo.

This will just wet the AFL's appetite more for that twilight timeslot for the AFL grand final. In fact this year would have been perfect for it with Sydney and Brisbane, where you are looking to draw in the most casual viewers possible. A missed opportunity to get the biggest gf audience ever (well since streaming and all that became a thing).

both prelims last year rated over 1.4m

 

[The_Wookie]

Sunday, 22 September 2024

AFL Finals score for Seven
Most exciting series in years reaches 8.5 million

The AFL’s standing as the most-watched winter sport in Australia has been confirmed by this year’s AFL Finals, with one of the most exciting series in recent years reaching 8.5 million people nationally on the Seven Network.

All eight Finals on Seven were #1 in their timeslots in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s. Seven of the eight games were the #1 program of the day across all age groups. The exception was the 7 September Saturday afternoon showdown between the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants, which was pipped by the Saturday night game between the Brisbane Lions and Carlton.

Seven was the #1 network nationally every single day of the AFL Finals this year, capturing more viewers than any other network.

Yesterday’s preliminary final between the Brisbane Lions and Geelong reached 3.22 million people nationally, with a national TV audience of 1.32 million.

The Friday night showdown between the Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide reached 3.02 million and had a national audience 1.18 million.

As the nation prepares for the 2024 Charles Brownlow Medal tomorrow night and the highly anticipated AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions next Saturday – both live, free and only available on Channel 7 and 7plus Sport – the AFL has proven why it is the most popular sport on Australian TV.

Seven Network Head of AFL and Sport Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe, said: “The 2024 AFL Premiership Season and Finals Series has delivered one of the greatest spectacles we have seen in recent times, and next Saturday’s 2024 AFL Grand Final will be no different.

“For the first time since South Melbourne and Fitzroy met in the 1899 VFL Grand Final, the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions will face off in the AFL Grand Final and it’s set to be one for the ages. The Swans and the Lions are impossible to split, but one thing is certain, Australians in every corner of the nation will be treated to the greatest match of the year on Saturday afternoon and Seven has viewers covered for every moment from beginning to end.

“As we embark on a new era of sport in Australia, whereby all Australians can stream the footy for free, Seven will deliver the biggest and best Grand Final Day moments from early morning with Weekend Sunrise until the final celebrations in the evening,” he said.

“With more than 12 hours of coverage across the day, footy’s best team led by the incomparable Bruce McAvaney as host and match callers Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw, will bring fans all the action, colour and excitement of Australian sport’s biggest day, live, free and exclusively on Seven and 7plus Sport.”

Seven’s team for the AFL Grand Final will include legendary sports broadcaster Bruce McAvaney, who returned in a key hosting role for this weekend’s two preliminary finals and will be back next Saturday. He will be joined by football’s #1 commentary team which includes Brian Taylor, James Brayshaw, Abbey Holmes, Matthew Richardson, Luke Hodge, Dale Thomas, Joel Selwood and Hamish McLachlan.

The 2024 AFL Finals series on Seven:

Thursday, 5 September – Geelong vs Port Adelaide: #1 program in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s. National reach 2.6 million, national audience 773,000.

Friday, 6 September – Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs: #1 program in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s. National reach 2.43 million, national audience 954,000.

Saturday, 7 September – Brisbane Lions vs Carlton: #1 program in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s. National reach 2.38 million, national audience 855,000.

Saturday, 7 September – Sydney Swans vs GWS GIANTS: National reach 1.85 million, national audience 683,000.

Friday, 13 September – Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn: #1 program in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s. National reach 2.62 million, national audience 1.07 million.

Saturday, 14 September – Brisbane Lions vs GWS GIANTS: #1 program in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s. National reach 2.6 million, national audience 912,000.

Friday, 20 September – Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide: #1 program in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s. National reach 3.02 million, national audience 1.18 million.

Saturday, 21 September – Brisbane Lions vs Geelong: #1 program in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s. National reach 3.22 million, national audience 1.32 million.

 

[The_Wookie]

Sunday, 22 September 2024

What about free?
A new era of digital sport streaming kicks off on 7plus Sport

The way Australians watch and engage with live sport has changed forever with the Seven Network bringing Australia’s #1 winter and summer sports – the AFL and cricket – to their new home on 7plus Sport.

A defining moment in the digital streaming revolution, the launch of 7plus Sport means every Australian can now live stream AFL football matches and the best international and domestic cricket on home soil – including Saturday’s blockbuster 2024 AFL Grand Final and the upcoming Test summer between Australia and India – all for free on 7plus Sport.

Adding to Seven’s already extensive digital sport offering which includes horse racing, boxing, Supercars, AFLW, LIV Golf, cycling, hockey, athletics, netball and so much more, Australians will now be able to watch every Seven sport, live and free on any device from anywhere in Australia at any time.

Fronting the new 7plus Sport campaign is Aussie music legend and proud 7plus Sport “fanbassador” Shannon Noll, who has reimagined his iconic hit What About Me in a high-energy television commercial. It features 7SPORT's biggest names including Ricky Ponting alongside his son Fletcher, Bruce McAvaney, Mel McLaughlin and Aaron Finch, and showcasing the smorgasbord of sports available to all Australians on the digital platform.

For dedicated sports fans and advertisers, this new era of digital sport broadcasting further cements Seven and 7plus as Australia's Home of Sport.

Gereurd Roberts, Group Managing Director, Seven Digital, said: “The launch of 7plus Sport represents the most significant change in Australian sport in decades. For the very first time, all Australians will be able to watch AFL and cricket anywhere, at any time and on any device – live and free. To say it is a game changer for fans, sporting organisations and advertisers is a massive understatement.

“In addition to AFL and cricket, we will be rolling out many new programs and features across 7plus Sport to keep fans informed, entertained and engaged week in, week out, 52 weeks a year. Stay tuned for some big announcements.

“A big launch deserves a big singer and a big song, and who better than Nollsie and an Australian anthem? The launch of 7plus Sport marks a new era in Australian sport and a step change for Seven,” he said.

Seven’s Head of Sport Digital, Kirsty Bradmore, said: “This is a landmark moment in Australian sports broadcasting, and we cannot wait to finally deliver every nail-biting moment of Saturday’s AFL Grand Final and the upcoming summer of cricket, all live and free on 7plus Sport.

“With supercharged digital rights for our nation’s biggest and most popular winter and summer sports, we’re not just delivering more sports content than ever before, we’re making them accessible to every Australian everywhere.

“In 2025, 7plus Sport will become the ultimate destination for AFL fans, delivering footy content every day of the week. Whether it’s live matches, in-depth analysis, or exclusive behind-the-scenes content, AFL fans can stay connected to their favorite sport like never before, anytime, anywhere,” she said.

“From tomorrow night’s Brownlow Medal to the AFL Grand Final and beyond, all Australians can experience the biggest moments in sport, whenever and wherever they want. At Seven, we’re committed to leading the future of sports entertainment and connecting Australians with the moments that move us most, and this is just the beginning.”

Shannon Noll said: “What About Me resonates with so many Australians across so many generations. It’s about giving everyone a voice. I’m proud to partner with 7plus Sport for this campaign because I love that it captures the true meaning of the song.

“I was born and bred in a small country town and sport has always been the way people come together and connect within the community. To see people live and breathe footy, cricket and other sports – you wouldn’t want to miss a game, let alone a grand final. To have the campaign align so well with What About Me and ensuring that all Australians can enjoy watching sport for free is a dream, and I’m so excited to be a part of it.”

Seven’s full digital rights to the AFL starts with tomorrow night’s Brownlow Medal and Saturday’s 2024 AFL Grand Final and include the AFLW and the full 2025 season, with matches across every round of the AFL season, and all Finals Series matches available to stream on 7plus Sport live and free.

Seven’s digital rights to cricket debuted on Thursday, 19 September with the Women’s International Series against New Zealand, and continue with the WBBL from Sunday, 27 October; the men’s five Test Series against India from Friday, 22 November; BBL from Sunday, 15 December; and the Women’s Ashes Series from Sunday, 12 January.