Abstract:

Although Ireland is a small country it has a complex television environment. Irish homes can be placed into three different groups depending on their levels of channel choice; 2 station homes, 6 station homes, and 10+ station homes. This paper begins by briefly describing the Irish television scene, audience measurement techniques and type of database used. Following this, the paper will explore the question of whether more choice equates to more viewing as well as the relationship between stations and within stations over time. These topics are primarily examined by comparisons between 6 station homes and 10 + station homes. The results confirm findings from many other countries, namely that more channel choice leads to more television viewing