Warner Bros. Discovery, a global media powerhouse, revealed its new programming lineup following an unprecedented year. With a record audience share of 9.4% over the course of 24 hours, the company has solidified its position as the third-largest broadcaster in the Italian market. The company also experienced its best year ever in prime time, with an impressive 22% increase in viewership compared to the previous year.
Growth has also been substantial in key demographics, particularly in the commercial target audience, where Warner Bros. Discovery now boasts a 12.2% share (+9% vs 2023) and a 12.4% share among younger viewers (+16% vs 2023) over the course of 24 hours. This cements Warner Bros. Discovery's status as the youngest broadcaster among Italy’s leading networks.
Key contributors to this growth include NOVE, which ranks as the 9th national channel in 24-hour viewership among individuals, with a 2.3% audience share, surpassing 3% during prime time, placing it as the 8th national channel in that time slot. NOVE has seen extraordinary growth, with a 46% increase compared to last year. Meanwhile, Real Time, the 10th national channel among individuals and the 6th among female audiences, recorded its best year ever with a 53% increase in prime-time viewership compared to last year. Collectively, with a diverse range of channels targeting complementary genres and demographics, Warner Bros. Discovery reaches 43 million viewers monthly, representing over 75% of the Italian population.
Alessandro Araimo, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery Italy & Iberia, highlighted the group's ambition to offer distinctive TV content, noting that Amadeus' arrival brings energy, creativity, and expands both audience and commercial impact. He emphasized their commitment to growing and leading innovation in Italian television alongside talents like Fazio and Crozza.
Laura Carafoli, SVP Content Networks & Streaming, praised their freedom to take risks and innovate, stating that Amadeus' vision enhances their ability to create new formats and trends. This approach has solidified their position as the third-largest and fastest-growing broadcaster in Italy.
In October, several historic and new TV shows will return to Italian channels. Amadeus will bring back La Corrida, a talent show created by Corrado, where the audience decides the winners of quirky performances. Fabio Fazio resumes Che tempo che fa, following a successful season with interviews featuring major personalities and comedy by Luciana Littizzetto. Maurizio Crozza, with Fratelli di Crozza, will offer his sharp political satire. Other returns include the political talk show Accordi&Disaccordi and the reality show Il Contadino cerca moglie. Shows like Cash or Trash and Don't Forget the Lyrics will continue to entertain. Musical events such as Renato Zero: Autoritratto and a special on ABBA will celebrate music icons. On the comedy front, Belén Rodríguez and the PanPers will host Only Fun – Comico Show, while Virginia Raffaele returns to the theater with Samusà.
