A Prime Time Investigates programme on property developers, which was aired this week, received the highest audience figures since the inception of the award-winning series in 2003. Prime Time Investigates – Carry On Regardless by reporter Rita O’Reilly and producer Bill Malone looked at leading NAMA developers who risked billions in the boom.
The programme found that many had transferred assets to their spouses in the months before NAMA was set up, while others continued in extravagant lifestyles.
At its peak, almost 900,000 people (874,000 ) were watching the programme – and the average figure for the hour was 803,000. Prior to this, the highest figures were for Prime Time Investigates programmes on the Travelling community, the issue of cocaine, and the gardaí.
It was followed by The Frontline with Pat Kenny, which also received its highest-ever audience in a 10.30pm slot. It had an audience of more than half a million people (566,600 ) reaching a peak of almost 700,000 people.
The Six One News had a peak audience of just under a million people and was watched by more than half the available audience (57 per cent share ) with the Nine O’Clock News not far behind, with a peak audience of 954,000 people.
