Only a third of the population would be annoyed if the News At Ten moved to an early evening slot, but over half of the general public feel that Manchester United should not be sold to BSkyB. These are the findings of two new surveys from CIA Medialab.
ITV’s contentious plans to move the evening news programme to 6:30pm have been criticised by Tony Blair, amongst others. However, only 37% of the those surveyed agreed that the news should not be allowed to move.
The Sensor survey also found that the BBC’s Six and Nine o’clock programmes could expect to see a rise in viewing if ITV goes ahead with the move. Channel 4 and Channel 5 news programmes, however, were found to be less attractive than ITV and therefore could expect a drop in viewers if News At Ten moves.
Medialab operations manager, Oliver Rowe, says: “An important implication for advertisers is that moving the News At Ten could actually benefit the BBC. Whatever ITV has planned for 9-11pm will need to be particularly strong to stop viewers deserting ITV at 9pm to watch BBC news.”
The second CIA Sensor survey found that 57% of the public does not think that Rupert Murdoch’s BSkyB should be allowed to take control of Manchester United Football Club. A quarter of people questioned remained undecided on the matter, but only 17% thought that it should be allowed to go ahead.
Furthermore the survey showed that 56% of people felt that BSkyB would be the main beneficiary of the takeover should it go through. Only a third think that Man Utd will benefit.
Rowe comments: “Despite the money that BSkyB has injected into the Premier League, they are not seen as a people’s champion and the proposed take-over is not perceived as benefiting football in general.”
CIA Medialab’s Sensor survey questions 500 adults on media and advertising, and is conducted monthly.
CIA Medialab: 0171 803 2000
