# Portuguese television viewership and market shifts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-television-market-viewership-and-regulation
> Updated: 2026-09-12T20:41:44.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 4.

The Portuguese television market experienced significant shifts in viewership and consumption patterns through early September 2026. While SIC previously held a clear lead, by September 10, SIC and TVI were tied for the top position among generalist channels, each recording a 13.2% audience share. RTP1 followed in third place with a 10.1% share.

Data from mid-September indicates a major trend toward non-traditional media, as the ‘Other Channels’ category—which includes streaming platforms, cable thematic channels, and other non-traditional sources—accounted for 51.0% of total television consumption in Portugal. 

In the news and specialized segment, CMTV led with a 5.0% share. CNN Portugal recorded 2.5%, followed closely by SIC Notícias at 2.4% and News Now at 2.0%. 

Regarding programming and strategy, SIC’s ‘Jornal da Noite’ remained a dominant force in early September, while RTP1’s ‘Joker’ and SIC’s ‘Vitória’ were noted as strong performers. However, TVI’s acquisition of Moreirense football broadcasting rights has faced scrutiny; critics have highlighted excessive promotional interruptions for soap operas, such as ‘Coração de Mãe,’ during live sports broadcasts.

By September 12, SIC regained absolute leadership in audience ratings, occupying the top four most-watched program slots of the day. This performance was driven by ‘Jornal da Noite,’ which secured the first position with a 6.7% rating and 16.8% share. Other top-performing SIC programs included the entertainment show ‘Terra Nossa: Monforte,’ the interview program ‘Alta Definição,’ and ‘Primeiro Jornal.’ RTP1 held the fifth position with the contest ‘The Floor.’

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: SIC dominates Portuguese television ratings

SIC dominated Portuguese television ratings on September 12, 2026, securing the top four most-watched program slots, led by ‘Jornal da Noite’.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sic-dominates-portuguese-television-ratings

### 2026-09-10: SIC and TVI tie in Portuguese television audience shares

Portuguese broadcasters SIC and TVI tied with a 13.2% audience share on September 10, 2026, as streaming and cable channels captured over half of the total market.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sic-and-tvi-tie-in-portuguese-television-audience-shares

### 2026-09-03: SIC leads Portuguese television viewership in recent ratings

SIC remains the leading television broadcaster in Portugal, maintaining the highest overall audience share and prime-time dominance despite close competition from TVI and RTP1.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sic-leads-portuguese-television-viewership-in-recent-ratings

### 2026-08-25: Portuguese media report shows SIC viewership lead and production quota challenges

Recent data shows SIC leading Portuguese generalist TV viewership, while ERC reports challenges in meeting independent audiovisual production quotas despite stable Portuguese-language programming levels.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portuguese-media-report-shows-sic-viewership-lead-and-production-quota-challenges

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Cite as: Portuguese television viewership and market shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-television-market-viewership-and-regulation