MORE than half the adult population has tuned into Teilifis na Gaeilge at some stage in the two months since it went on air, according to Lansdowne Research. Although a fifth of households have difficulty finding the channel, nearly half of those are interested watching it. TnaG commissioned research into its viewership following disappointing ratings which registered it at almost zero.
TnaG sources said those figures could have been distorted if some households were unable to receive the new station. The station is working closely with researchers AC Nielsen and others to provide a daily reporting mechanism for TanG: "But in the meantime, Lansdowne Market Research was commissioned in order to offer a national overview of the TnaG position."
Lansdowne shows that up to 180,000 adults watch TnaG at least once a week. TnaG also claims the research shows wide support for more opportunities, for the use of Irish and to ensure that it remains a living language.
TanG will repeat its opening programme, first shown at Hallowe'en, on New Year's Eve. The station is showing many programmes for children and on New Year's Day will run a documentary tracing the career of dancer Michael Flatley.