STV announces record online viewers with Euro 2020 boost

STV has announced record viewing figures with huge increases in online and streaming audiences.

The broadcaster’s online viewing was up 66% in the first half of the year, with streams increasing by 94%.

STV Player remains the fastest growing broadcaster streaming service in the UK, STV Group PLC said.

Advertising revenue has also been trending upwards with the company reporting growth of more than 30% in the first six months of the year compared with 2020.

Simon Pitts, STV chief executive, said: “STV has made an excellent start to 2021, with our record TV and digital audiences powering advertising revenue growth of 32% in the first half of the year, ahead of market expectations, and five per cent ahead of pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

“So far this year our audience share growth is the highest of any of the UK’s 500 plus TV channels, total TV viewing is up five per cent even compared to last year’s lockdown, and online viewing on STV Player is up a further 66%.”

The broadcaster’s coverage of Euro 2020 saw 3.6m Scots tune in. Average streams per match on the STV Player were higher than for the World Cup 2018, Euro 2016 and World Cup 2014 combined – helping to more than double the company’s advertising revenues in June, Mr Pitts said.

“Euro 2020 has lifted spirits, broken hearts and delivered a record viewing and commercial performance for STV,” he said.

“We have plenty more to look forward to in 2021, with STV Studios on track to deliver its most successful year yet, hundreds of hours of unmissable drama set to drop on STV Player following today’s new partnership with Banijay Rights, plus 11 new network dramas this autumn including Manhunt series two starring Martin Clunes.”