Week 19 in TV Ratings

Why It Matters

The ratings shift signals where advertisers can command premium rates and highlights which networks are winning audience share in a competitive, streaming‑heavy market.

Key Takeaways

• 10's "Have You Been Paying Attention?" drew 820k viewers Monday
• Home & Away led entertainment with 1.00 m viewers on Monday
• Seven News topped all news programs with 1.55 m viewers
• Nine's "A Current Affair" attracted 1.05 m viewers, second highest
• ABC News held strong at 945k viewers despite competition

Pulse Analysis

Australian television ratings for the week of May 3‑9, 2026 were released by OzTAM, providing a granular view of free‑to‑air (FTA) performance across the major networks. The data captures both total TV share and the growing contribution of broadcast‑video‑on‑demand (BVOD) platforms, offering advertisers a clearer picture of where audiences are tuning in during prime‑time and later slots. Understanding these metrics is essential for media planners seeking to allocate spend efficiently in a fragmented viewing environment.

Network 10’s resurgence was anchored by the comeback of "Have You Been Paying Attention?", which delivered 820,000 viewers and is now poised to dominate its timeslot for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Seven’s flagship drama "Home & Away" sustained its lead in the entertainment category with a solid 1.00 million audience, reinforcing the series’ status as a reliable ratings driver. Seven also outperformed rivals in news, with its bulletin drawing 1.55 million viewers, while Nine’s "A Current Affair" and ABC’s news bulletin each secured over a million viewers, illustrating a competitive balance among the top news providers.

The implications for advertisers are significant. Networks that can demonstrate consistent, high‑viewership programs—particularly in live, unscripted formats—are better positioned to command premium CPMs, especially as brands shift spend back from digital‑only channels to hybrid campaigns. Moreover, the continued relevance of BVOD indicates that multi‑screen strategies will be crucial for reaching audiences who split their viewing between linear TV and on‑demand services. As streaming services intensify competition, networks that leverage strong flagship content and robust cross‑platform data will likely retain the most lucrative advertising dollars in the coming quarters.