BBC has recorded an average of 438 million viewers from around the world every week of the year until March. The figure reflects 49 million increase, which is equivalent to 13% compared to the previous year. Digital platforms have become the most popular means of accessing BBC News, receiving far more viewership than syndicated TV and radio. “Our international news services rank first for trust and reliability,” Director-General of the BBC, Tony Hall wrote in a statement. “Our world service remains a beacon of democratic values and a lifeline for millions living in fear, captivity, or uncertainty.”
BBC global content is also increasingly popular on global platforms like Youtube with a 129% increase in audiences to 47 million a week, overtaking Facebook with a 31% increase to 43 million. Twitter reach has doubled to 6 million and Instagram also reaches 6 million weekly.
Digital audiences reached 310 million between January and March, the beginning of the pandemic. The largest international markets take place in India, the United States, and Nigeria, and Kenya.
The BBC’s goal is to reach 500 million people a week by 2022. Africa Eye, Africa Sport, and What’s New were selected to further attract audiences around the world. “Whatever your views on the BBC, it’s a reminder that we are without question one of Britain’s strongest and best-known brands, synonymous with quality and accuracy worldwide,” Hall said