Study: German-speaking Swiss watch the least television
Television consumption is rising steadily across Europe. However, the German-speaking Swiss are bringing up the rear. These are the findings of a new study by Europe's IP companies and RTL Group.
The IP companies in Europe and RTL Group have published the new edition of the annual "Television Key Facts". The study provides facts, data, developments and highlights on around 900 TV channels in 36 European countries as well as the USA and Japan. Television consumption by adult viewers is rising steadily across Europe and stands at 222 minutes per day in the west of the continent. General trend: In Western Europe, viewing time is higher in the south than in the north. The Greeks are the top TV viewers (256 minutes), followed by the Spanish (249). Germany is in the European midfield with a viewing time of 226 minutes. Bringing up the rear alongside Denmark (162) are Sweden (156) and German-speaking Switzerland (148). In Eastern Europe, viewing time tends to be even higher. Serbia (289), Hungary (280) and Poland (255) occupy the top three places here. Compared to Europe, however, the USA has the longest TV viewing time (299 minutes).
Advancing digitizationDigitization continues to make progress in European households. At the end of 2005, 52 million households received digital television primarily via satellite, while digital distribution via cable and, above all, DSL played a less important role. The development of digital terrestrial television (DVB-T) is remarkable: 12 to 14 million mainly Western European households receive DVB-T. France, the Czech Republic, Malta and Spain (with a reintroduction) successfully launched this technology last year. DVB-T has a particularly high reception potential in countries such as Italy, Spain and the UK, where cable television is less developed. The differences in the digital equipment of TV households vary greatly in Europe. While the UK occupies the top position (66.4%) in terms of digital television penetration, there is still room for development, particularly in Eastern Europe.
An interesting trend: international formats that are tailored to the needs of viewers in the individual countries are continuing their advance and successfully addressing the national characteristics of the broadcasting country. Reality shows with celebrities and docu-soaps are captivating more and more viewers, while talent and casting shows continue to achieve considerable viewing figures even after several seasons. Television also continues to provide an important orientation function and offers help in many areas of life. This is demonstrated by the great success of the "docutainment" genre, which is becoming increasingly popular in Europe with cooking shows and parenting guides and is increasingly reaching young target groups. Finally, broadcasters are also focusing on national adaptations of fictional formats, thereby meeting the tastes of viewers, as demonstrated by successful soaps and telenovelas.
Advancing digitizationDigitization continues to make progress in European households. At the end of 2005, 52 million households received digital television primarily via satellite, while digital distribution via cable and, above all, DSL played a less important role. The development of digital terrestrial television (DVB-T) is remarkable: 12 to 14 million mainly Western European households receive DVB-T. France, the Czech Republic, Malta and Spain (with a reintroduction) successfully launched this technology last year. DVB-T has a particularly high reception potential in countries such as Italy, Spain and the UK, where cable television is less developed. The differences in the digital equipment of TV households vary greatly in Europe. While the UK occupies the top position (66.4%) in terms of digital television penetration, there is still room for development, particularly in Eastern Europe.
An interesting trend: international formats that are tailored to the needs of viewers in the individual countries are continuing their advance and successfully addressing the national characteristics of the broadcasting country. Reality shows with celebrities and docu-soaps are captivating more and more viewers, while talent and casting shows continue to achieve considerable viewing figures even after several seasons. Television also continues to provide an important orientation function and offers help in many areas of life. This is demonstrated by the great success of the "docutainment" genre, which is becoming increasingly popular in Europe with cooking shows and parenting guides and is increasingly reaching young target groups. Finally, broadcasters are also focusing on national adaptations of fictional formats, thereby meeting the tastes of viewers, as demonstrated by successful soaps and telenovelas.
