Nine Network's Gem and Seven Network's 7mate both launched with an audience share of 1.1%, according to OzTam.
Gem was originally due to air for the first time last Friday, but the soft launch was postponed and the channel eventually aired last night.
Seven Network's 7mate launched on Saturday (25 September) with a simulcast of the AFL Grand Final, which achieved combined ratings of 2.76 million viewers across the Seven Network. Over 5 million Australians watched all or part of Seven Network's match coverage.
7mate launched with four foundation advertisers; Telstra, Toyota's Lexus, National Foods and Supercheap Auto. It is Seven Network's third free-to-air channel, and targets 16 to 49-year-old males.
The channel will offer programs such as Family Guy, 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother and American Dad.
Gem is Nine Network's third free-to-air channel, and targets women aged over 35. The free-to-air digital channel features shows such as Weeds, The Big C and Wife Swap.
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