Hot on the heels of its largest audience ever when almost half-a-million people tuned into Saturday night’s NRL blockbuster between Melbourne and Cronulla, Fox Sports has won ASTRA’s channel of the year.
The broadcaster’s channel 501, which anchors the Fox Sports line-up, was awarded ahead of six other nominees.
Fox sports saw a 9% rise in audience this year, with NRL games accounting for 50 of the top 100 subscription TV programs.
Maiden: “All regular live match time slots have seen year-on-year growth”
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ASTRA CEO, Andrew Maiden, said Fox Sports had set new benchmarks for the industry.
“All regular live match time slots have seen year-on-year growth and on Saturday a new ratings record for NRL was set, with an average audience of 486,000 people turning in to watch the Storm versus the Sharks, making it the most-watched event on subscription TV in 2016 and the ninth most-watched Fox Sports broadcast ever,” Maiden said.
Delany: “Our five exclusive games are 15% up, year-on-year”
“In selecting Fox Sports 501 as channel of the year, our independent judging panel said the team set the benchmark for Australian sports coverage with the best pre- and post-game shows, and some of the strongest commentators and talent in the business.”
Fox Sports CEO, Patrick Delany, said the win was a good sign ahead of Fox Sports launching a dedicated NRL channel next year.
“Ratings this year have exceeded projections, with our five exclusive games being 15% up, year-on-year coupled with some amazing weekends of NRL action,” Delany said.
“I would like to pay tribute to the team that produces the channel, including all our contractors – they live and breathe sports and have put in a huge effort this year.”