Satellite Depriving Viewers

According to a survey carried out by CIA Sensor, over two thirds (67%) of UK adults are unhappy with the amount of top sporting events and films being bought up by the satellite and cable television channels.

Seven out of ten (70%) non-subscribers to satellite and cable believe that viewers are being disenfranchised from some of the top broadcast events. Surprisingly, despite having access to these programmes, more than half (55%) of subscribers to the channels agree. The young are particularly concerned that they will have to become satellite subscribers if they want to see the major sports events and the latest films. Over 76% of 15 to 24 year olds feel that thay are being left out, compared with 65% of over 25s.

CIA Sensor found that BBC1 was believed to provide the best sports coverage by 38% of respondents. Sky Sports is second with 33% of the vote. ITV fares poorly with just 11% of viewers prefering its sports coverage, followed by BBC2 (7%), Eurosport (6%) and Channel 4 (4%).

52% of 15-24 year olds believe that Sky Sports provides the best sports coverage. Over 69% of satellite television owners believe that Sky Sports provides the best sports coverage.

Anthony Jones, Head of CIA MediaLab, commented “As more people tune in to Sky Sports so the channel will have more money with which to buy more broadcasting rights. The logical conclusion of this will be that even though events such as the Grand National are likely to remain protected, the terrestrial channels will find it inreasingly difficult to attract certain audiences, especially men.”

For further information: Anthony Jones at CIA MediaLab, on 0171 633 9999