Figures just released show that RTÉ delivered 47 out of the 50 most-watched programmes on Irish television in 2011, with all but two home-produced*.
The most watched programme of 2011 was The Late Late Toy Show, with an **average viewership of 1,528,000, making it the most watched programme on Irish television in 17 years.
Glen Killane, MD RTÉ Television, said: "With the vast array of channel choice now available to Irish viewers, the fact that RTÉ remains so firmly the channel of choice for the Irish public is deeply gratifying.
"In these economically challenged times and in the face of ever-increasing competition and choice, it is no small achievement to have delivered over 4,000 hours of original, relevant and high calibre programming that has proved to have been of such strong appeal.
"The public's loyalty to RTÉ programming is something we continue to strive to earn and in no way take for granted."
NB: As the minimum programme duration is 15 minutes, the RTÉ News Special (An Taoiseach Enda Kenny's address to the nation) on December 4 is not included below.
*Source: TAM Ireland Ltd/Nielsen TAM. Ranking is based on best episode of shows/series of 15+ minutes duration broadcast between January 1 2011 and December 30 2011, on any television channel, available in Ireland at any time.
** All figures are Consolidated National Individuals, from aged four upwards. (The Consolidated audience is the sum of the live viewing plus viewing recorded and played back within seven days)
