The TV race of 2021 has been run and won – by Network Seven. It’s in first place after achieving a 38.6% market share for the ratings year. Nine was tipped into 2nd place but isn’t far behind with 37.7%. It’s Seven’s 13th win in 15 years after Nine stole the march in 2020 and 2019. Network Ten in 3rd spot. Industry pundits say it all comes down to programs that create big events like Australia’s Got Talent, Farmer Wants a Wife and Big Brother – all Seven shows. Seven also had the Olympics, which was outside the ratings period – but if you watched any of it and have been able to delete the million promos for The Voice from your brain’s hard disk, you’re doing better than we are… And BVOD (broadcaster video on demand) is proving to be a big new avenue for advertisers as smart TVs are adopted in more homes. Looking ahead, analysts reckon the commercial networks will get some growth in the coming 5 years, while subscription streamers like Amazon Prime will get a lot.