ITV Takes Majority Viewing In 1999

ITV took a 31.1% share of all UK television viewing during 1999, according to new figures released by the Independent Television Commission (ITC), beating BBC1’s 28.3% to remain nation’s most-watched channel. These figures represent a year on year decline in viewing share for ITV and BBC1 of 0.7% points and 1.2% points respectively.

Channel 4’s annual share came in at 9.9% (unchanged on 1998) and Channel 5 took 5.3% of all viewing, a year on year rise of 1.0% points. BBC2’s share was 10.8% (down 0.5% points).

The ITC is responsible for ensuring that no one group owns or controls licences whose combined share exceeds 15% of the total television audience. This is an issue which will be raised by the proposed merger of ITV groups Carlton and United News & Media (UNM) (see Media Merger May Hit Regulatory Obstacles). According to these latest figures a combined Carlton/UNM group would still be within the regulatory restrictions, with a total audience share of 14.8%.

However, rival ITV group Granada has also applied for permission from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to make a counter-bid for either Carlton or UNM. Merging Granada and Carlton would create a group with an 18.9% share of total viewing, well over the current ceiling. Similarly, Granada/UNM would command 17.1% of all TV viewing.

The ITC is currently seeking public views on the Carlton/UNM deal. The deadline for submissions on this is 7 February 2000 (see ITC Seeks Views On Carlton/UNM Merger).

Independent Television Commission: 020 7255 3000