ITV digital viewing rises as ITV1 slumps
ITV's digital channels have reportedly become the second-most watched multi-channel portfolio in the UK, overtaking the BBC-Telewest-owned UKTV suite in the first-half of 2006. But the improving performance of its digital channels coincides with reports that ITV's flagship channel, ITV1, is set to report its lowest all-hours monthly audience share ever.
The Guardian said ITV's digital channels—ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, CiTV, ITV Play and Men and Motors—had taken the number 2 position in first-half ratings behind BSkyB. ITV's digital portfolio attracted a 4.03% share of viewing in multichannel homes, up from 3.58% in 2005, and up more than 12% on the year. UKTV channels collectively took a 4% share, up from 3.98% last year. Sky's channels took 8.75% of all viewing.
Meanwhile ITV1 is about to report its all-hours monthly audience share slipped to 16.7% in July as the broadcaster's World Cup coverage lost out to the BBC.
Amid the gloom ITV is said to be in talks with regulator Ofcom to see if it can drop children's programming from its ITV1 afternoon schedule. According to The Times, ITV says most children watch dedicated children's digital channels.
Last week outgoing Ofcom CEO Stephen Carter was tipped to replace ITV chief executive Charles Allen should—as reports suggest—he announce next week he will step down at the end of the year after a 15-year involvement with the broadcaster.
Regards Satdude.
ITV's digital channels have reportedly become the second-most watched multi-channel portfolio in the UK, overtaking the BBC-Telewest-owned UKTV suite in the first-half of 2006. But the improving performance of its digital channels coincides with reports that ITV's flagship channel, ITV1, is set to report its lowest all-hours monthly audience share ever.
The Guardian said ITV's digital channels—ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, CiTV, ITV Play and Men and Motors—had taken the number 2 position in first-half ratings behind BSkyB. ITV's digital portfolio attracted a 4.03% share of viewing in multichannel homes, up from 3.58% in 2005, and up more than 12% on the year. UKTV channels collectively took a 4% share, up from 3.98% last year. Sky's channels took 8.75% of all viewing.
Meanwhile ITV1 is about to report its all-hours monthly audience share slipped to 16.7% in July as the broadcaster's World Cup coverage lost out to the BBC.
Amid the gloom ITV is said to be in talks with regulator Ofcom to see if it can drop children's programming from its ITV1 afternoon schedule. According to The Times, ITV says most children watch dedicated children's digital channels.
Last week outgoing Ofcom CEO Stephen Carter was tipped to replace ITV chief executive Charles Allen should—as reports suggest—he announce next week he will step down at the end of the year after a 15-year involvement with the broadcaster.
Regards Satdude.