Viewers seek real news, not reality TV
Australians shun reality TV shows, seeking the latest news on free-to-air television networks.
Mounting fears about the coronavirus spreading drove Australians to the latest news on free-to-air television networks on Sunday night, typically when reality shows such as Married At First Sight dominate.
Of the top 10 TV programs aired on Sunday night, six were about the coronavirus pandemic, as the federal government ramps up efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Seven Network's evening news program was the No 1 show across the five metropolitan cities on Sunday night with an audience of around 1.38m, with Nine Network trailing in second spot with 1.26m viewers.
Reality dating show MAFS, which has been a big hit for Nine in recent months, dropped to third spot with 1.15m metro viewers, according to figures from ratings agency OzTam.
Prior to the coronavirus being declared a pandemic, MAFS held the top TV ratings spot from Sunday to Wednesday since its premiere on February 3.
For the first time since its debut, MAFS came in fourth spot on March 16, trailing the evening news on Seven and Nine.
TV ratings during the critical advertising period of 6pm to midnight is key for commercial TV broadcasters, as it attracts major advertising dollars. But broadcasters will struggle to attract advertisers flush with money during the health and economic crisis.
Coming in fourth spot was Nine's current affairs show 60 Minutes, which ran a coronavirus special featuring journalists Liam Bartlett, Liz Hayes and Tara Brown, with 1.13m metro viewing.
Rounding off the top five TV shows was a coronavirus special by Seven's news team, which was watched by 1.02m metro viewers.
In sixth and seventh place was ABC News and a COVID-19 special program by Nine's news team, respectively.
The latest TV ratings numbers come as News Corp Australia boss Michael Miller says the media company’s newspaper mastheads “will not miss an edition” as the public seeks reliable and credible news during the COVID-19 crisis.
News Corp is the publisher of The Australian, plus The Daily Telegraph, The Courier-Mail and Herald Sun and many other regional newspapers.
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