BOTH Prime7 and Nine are claiming wins in the local television news ratings fight after their first week of rivalry.
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Long-time Border news ratings ace Prime7 is pointing to the 6pm to 7pm figures for last week which showed it had 44.8 per cent of the audience compared to Nine’s 39.3 per cent.
WIN had 15.9 per cent, the remainder of the share for the three primary commercial stations.
But Nine, which debuted its Border North East bulletin last Monday, is hailing a victory based on ratings for the 6pm to 6.30pm slot when all three local-flavoured news services air.
That showed Nine’s bulletin had 41.4 per cent, Prime7 News at 39.8 per cent and WIN News on 18.8 per cent.
Prime7 head of news and content Paul Patrick said the hour data compared both his and Nine’s full news offering.
“If it was election night you would be happy with a 45-39 split, it’s enough to form government, but I think you’re going to see some numbers bouncing around a bit,” Mr Patrick said.
“I don’t know how they can just measure the half-hour, you have to compare like with like.”
Ratings show Nine News Border North East drew 16,000 for its first 30 minutes last Monday, with 11,000 for Prime7 and 7000 for WIN.
It also won on Tuesday and Friday nights, but Prime7 News triumphed on Wednesday and Thursday.
On Albury Gold Cup night, Nine had 13,000, Prime7 12,000 and WIN 2000.
“There might have been a little bit of sampling last week,” Mr Patrick said.
“We hope our record speaks for itself and people come back to a good local and national service.
“Most importantly it’s a marathon and not a sprint and we’re in it for the long haul.”
Nine Network director of regional news Mike Dalton said the first 30-minute figures gave him heart.
“We’re comparing local news to local news and we’re pretty buoyed by that,” Mr Dalton said.
“It’s great that people are turning on and watching us.
“It’s a tribute to the team we’ve got, the reporters and the camera people.”
Nine blends Border and Goulburn Valley stories with national and foreign items after previously having aired the Melbourne bulletin helmed by Peter Hitchener.
Jo Hall is anchoring its Border North East version, along with other Victorian regional news bulletins.
“Peter Hitchener is a great character but Jo is really popular in the Victorian market, she’s born and bred Victorian and been with the Nine network for a long time,” Mr Dalton said.
Nine’s news airs from Melbourne, while Prime’s comes from Canberra and WIN’s from Wollongong.
