Sydney – The subscription TV universe in Australia now reaches 31% of all Australian people and 27% of all Australian homes, equating to 6.1 million people and 2.01 million homes. That’s according to figures released last week by the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association. Subscribers spent 59% of their viewing time watching STV channels this year, up from 56% in 2006. Average time spent watching pay TV channels was 22 hours 21 minutes per week, a consistent level over the past five years. Metro viewing to STV channels rose by 14%, regional viewing gained 21% and national viewing went up by 17%. Viewing of news/documentaries and childrens channels increased by 35% over 2006, while sports services were up by 20%. There were high-teen percentage lifts by music and general entertainment channels.