Nickelodeon U.K. had a record-breaking 2008, achieving the highest viewing share since it launched in 1993, making it the top U.K. kids' TV network (with a 14.4 percent share of viewing), ahead of Disney Network, BBC Kids and Turner Kids.
Nickelodeon U.K.'s overall viewing share increased nine percent year-on-year, with growth spread across the network. Nickelodeon (and Nick Replay) increased their combined viewing share 10 percent from 2007 and the Nick Jr. channels increased their combined share 11 percent from 2007. NickToons (and Nick Toonsters) increased their combined viewing share five percent from 2007.
The Nickelodeon channel was the top ad-supported kids' channel and NickToons was the number one kids' animation channel in 2008. From August on, Nick Jr. became the number one provider of pre-school television in cable and satellite homes ahead of CBeebies and Playhouse Disney Channels.
The Nickelodeon network now reaches more than 10 million viewers a month and is available in 12.7 million cable and satellite homes (with network programming available in all 22.5 million multi-channel homes thanks to the Nick Jr. block on TMF).
Highlights of the year included the launch of ICARLY (March), new episodes and specials of SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, as well as continued favorites such as DRAKE AND JOSH and H2O. Nick Jr. saw the launch of A BEDTIME STORY WITH ARNIE AND BARNIE (November) and SUPER WHY (June). DORA THE EXPLORER and GO, DIEGO, GO! continue to be top performers in the preschool market.
More than 1.2 million viewers tuned into the Nickelodeon U.K. Kids Choice Awards in September 2008. In addition, Nickelodeon U.K. picked up 12 nominations for the 2008 Kids' BAFTAs.
