Channel 4 has released new figures to show that its streaming growth continues to outpace the likes of Netflix and Prime.
Minutes viewed rose 25% (42bn) between January and August, while in August alone, total viewer minutes was up 11% year-on-year (4.4bn).
This was driven by the documentary, Merseyside Detectives: The Murders of Ashley and Olivia. That achieved 191m viewer minutes, with an average 28 day audience per episode across the series on linear and streaming of 2.1m in August. Over the 4 episodes, the docu-series highlighted the toll of gun and gang crime on innocent lives and communities in Merseyside after Ashley Dale and nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel were shot dead at home, victims of feuding gangs.
“The success of Merseyside Detectives underlines what PSBs uniquely offer streamers: content which reflects Britain and impacts the national conversation,” said Kiran Nataraja, Director of Streaming & Content Strategy, Channel 4.
“Our strong performance in August, with success across a wide range of titles, also demonstrates the clear and successful approach set out in our Fast Forward strategy.”
Barb data also revealed that Channel 4 grew its overall audience 4% (linear and streaming combined) in August – which it states is set against an average 10% drop in commercial public service broadcasters.
It comes as the channel continues to pursue its Fast Forward strategy to become the first public service streamer.
