UKTV has propelled itself ahead of Sky and Channel 5 in its share of commercial impacts.
Reporting record-breaking results in 2015, UKTV’s growth can largely be attributed to a 20 per cent increase in original and linear programming investment.
Revenues hit a record high of £319 million up 13 per cent, whilst the UK broadcaster also reported a 20 per cent increase in operating profit in the space of two years.
EBITDA also rose ten per cent to £82 million.
UKTV’s share of commercial impact was reported as 9.31 per cent, putting it ahead of Sky and Channel 5, which both recorded a total of 9.27 per cent.
Chief executive Darren Childs said, “Double digit growth is a tough goal. But we’ve achieved that in profit, in revenue and importantly, in investment in our programmes. That’s helping our reputation as a credible and successful investor in creativity go from strength to strength.
“UKTV has had market-beating growth again this year, taking the business to the next level. As investment increases, I’m confident this year will see yet more significant growth for this vibrant business.”
The broadcaster has continued to invest in the expansion of its business beyond linear broadcasting, with a focus on its UKTV Play on-demand platform, which saw a 26 per cent increase in views year-on-year.
The on-demand service was also launched via an Android app, as well as BT and Amazon Fire.
Jan Gooze-Zijl, chief financial and operations officer, said, “Our over 20 per cent increase in content investment last year helped propel UKTV to record viewing, generating an all-time high level of revenue and EBITDA. We also grew our share of commercial impacts to 9.31 per cent, enabling us to capitalise on the continued strength of the television and VoD advertising market.”
The broadcaster has shown no signs of slowing down in 2016, having moved into the live sports market in January by securing the exclusive rights to David Haye’s comeback fight, as well as taking on a sixth free-to-air slot with Home the following month.
