Emmys audience on ABC nears 6.9 million, highest in three years

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - An estimated 6.9 million people watched Sunday's Emmy Awards telecast that featured record-setting wins for sweeping historical drama "Shogun," Disney-owned broadcaster ABC said on Monday, reaching a three-year high for the awards show.

The audience grew 54% from the all-time low set by the previous Emmys ceremony, which aired in an unusual January slot because of disruptions caused by Hollywood labor strikes. That ceremony attracted roughly 4.3 million viewers.

This year's Emmys was hosted by "Schitt's Creek" father/son duo Eugene and Dan Levy. FX series "Shogun" earned the prestigious best drama trophy, and HBO's "Hacks" upset frontrunner "The Bear" for best comedy.

Viewership of traditional television, and awards shows, has been declining for years as audiences spend time on streaming and social media.

(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Leslie Adler and Jamie Freed)