HGTV Breaks Records for Ratings for Month, Third Quarter and Season

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. [For Immediate Release - September 30, 2009] HGTV wrapped up the 2008-2009 season with a strong finishes in key demos for the month of September, third quarter and season as reported by Nielsen Media Research. In fact, HGTV's P25-54 rating finished in the top 10 in Primetime among ad supported cable for September 2009, 3Q09 and the `08-`09 season. In addition, the network attracted an average of more than 1.2 million total viewers P2+ in a quarter, marking the highest quarterly prime time average audience in its history. September 2009 delivered the highest ever prime time monthly average audience in the history of the network among W18+ (957,000). HGTV also delivered the highest ever September prime time rating among M18-49, with a 0.3.

"Design Star and our first time homebuyer's hour are attracting new and younger viewers to HGTV," said president, Jim Samples. "HGTV's strength with these viewers has been a key driver for one of the best quarters in the history of the network."

During the month of September 2009 (8/31/09-9/27/09), prime time household ratings improved by 22% and household impressions increased by 19% over September 2008. Among key demos, P25-54 impressions saw a 14% improvement and W25-54 impressions improved by 12% over September 2008 levels. During 3Q09 (6/29/09-9/27/09), household ratings saw a 10% gain and household impressions improved by 11% over prime in 3Q08. Among key demo impressions, P25-54 impressions increased by 8% and W25-54 impressions improved by 4% over prime in 3Q08.

For the quarter and season, HGTV delivered the highest ever prime time average audience among several key demos, including P18-49 and P25-49.

About HGTV

HGTV, America's leader in home and lifestyle programming, is distributed to more than 95 million U.S. households and is one of cable's top-rated networks. HGTV's website, HGTV.com, is the nation's leading online home-and-garden destination which attracts an average of 5 million unique visitors per month. HGTV owns 33 percent of HGTV Canada and provides much of the Canadian network's daily programming.

The network's branded programming also can be seen in 120 territories across all seven continents and its selected programming is available to military personnel onboard Navy ships and through American Forces Radio & Television Service (AFRTS), which services more than 1,000 outlets in over 175 countries. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and San Francisco, HGTV is wholly owned by Scripps Networks, which also operates Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living Network and Great American Country.