Last updated – 05 December 2017

Introduction to the topic

The BBC is the UK’s main public service broadcaster, responsible for serving all audiences through the provision of impartial, high-quality and distinctive output and services which inform, educate and entertain.Audience data and insights are critical to the success of the BBC’s public service broadcasting, affecting decisions it takes about how to spend the majority of its £3.8 billion of licence fee income. These data and insights are vital for performance monitoring, informing the creation of new content and services, and helping shape the BBC’s strategy.

The BBC’s Audiences team collects and disseminates audience data and insights. It monitors audience performance, including figures for TV viewing, radio listening, and the use of online services, as well as audience appreciation and perception data. It also carries out bespoke research, including on audience behaviour trends and how particular demographic groups use the BBC.

The interactive visualisations below provide information on: the BBC’s changing context; use of iPlayer; and the extent to which particular demographic groups and audiences in the home nations engage with BBC services.

The visualisations include data that is featured in our report , as well as published data from Ofcom and the BBC.

How to use the visualisation

  • You can navigate through our three dashboards by clicking on the boxes displayed at the top of the visualisation:
  • The majority of the visualisations are interactive and include tips on how to select and view different data, such as for different years:
  • Data labels are either displayed on the interactive charts and can be viewed by hovering over individual data points.
  • All the data sources are stated, with some of the charts having additional explanatory notes.

More information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I get an accessible version of this visualisation?

Phone the NAO Enquiries point +44 (0)20 7798 7264

Alternatively, you can email general enquiries to enquiries@nao.org.uk or use our online contact form.

My question is not answered here, where can I get more information?

Phone the NAO Enquiries point +44 (0)20 7798 7264
Alternatively, you can email general enquiries to enquiries@nao.org.uk or use our online contact form.