Online viewers bolster satellite TV ratings

A new type of satellite TV station rating, which incorporates the influence of those stations on online programs, was recently released by Ze Media, a media consulting company based in Beijing.

The results are considerably different from traditional ratings, according to Du Zezhuang, vice-president of Ze Media.

Hunan Satellite TV still tops the ratings, and some other A-grade satellite TV stations rank a little bit lower, such as Tianjin Satellite TV. But others, such as Guangdong Satellite TV, rise on the list dramatically compared with the existing rating, which is mainly based on traditional TV viewership, Du says.