NDP, Star Awards most—viewed TV programmes in 2012

SINGAPORE: Almost 1.07 million viewers tuned in to MediaCorp’s Channel 5 to watch National Day Parade 2012, making this its top programme last year.

The other top shows last year include the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the Celebrate 2013 countdown show, National Day Rally 2012 and President’s Star Charity.

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 and First XI vs S League All—Stars were in the top 10 programmes on Channel 5 in 2012.

On MediaCorp’s Channel 8, the most popular show was Star Awards 2012, with over 1.51 million viewers.

The Lunar New year’s Eve Special 2012, 30th Drama Anniversary Show, Thye Hua Kwan Charity Show, Starry Starry Night 2012, and National Day Parade 2012 all garnered well over one million in viewership.

Almost 920,000 tuned in for its top drama programme, "Don’t Stop Believin".

On Channel U, local dramas continued to be a popular attraction, with some episodes of "Show Hand" receiving a viewership of almost 320,000.

MediaCorp said for 2012, Channel 8 saw great improvement in the catch—up viewership on xinmsn.com for its local drama serials, attracting a wider spectrum of viewers.

There are nine titles that achieved more than 30,000 average video streams as compared to 2011, with only four titles reaching that mark.

Channel 5’s 2012 viewership has improved over 2011 as well.

MediaCorp said by end of the year, it will be transmitting its terrestrial (free—to—air TV) channels in digital format (under the DVB—T2 television standard) where viewers can enjoy high quality picture and audio as well as electronic programme guides.

In December, MediaCorp will broadcast four channels in HD — Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham.

The remaining three channels — Channel NewsAsia, Channel U and okto — will still be broadcast in standard definition and will be upgraded to HD in a few years’ time.

— CNA/xq