'Long Tail Theory'

We have researched using the website Barb.co.uk to collate information about 3 niche TV channels to see if their viewing figures could equal or dominate the figures of one mainstream channel. We did this to prove if the Long Tail Theory by Chris Anderson is correct. 

In our findings we have proved with particular channels that we picked, that his theory cannot be applied in every situation to do with the more of less view. The Long Tail Theory is that in the advent of broadband internet it had transformed economics, commerce and consumption; which can be shown through iTunes, YouTube and social networking sites.


Define Niche: a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it.


Define Mainstream: Mainstream is, generally, the common current of thought of the majority. However, the mainstream is far from cohesive; rather the concept is often considered a cultural construct. It is a term most often applied in the arts (i.e., music, literature, and performance)

3 Niche TV Channels

Channel                        Average Daily Reach                             Weekly Reach           

                                    000s                        %                        000s                        %           

Motors TV                    61                        0.1                        329                         0.6

BET                               48                        0.1                        195                        0.3

Animal Planet            218                        0.4                        904                        1.6

Totals                         327                        0.6                        1428                      2.5

Main Stream

Channel 4                    16,653                        29.1                        40,218            70.4