Euro’96 Start Attracts 8.5 Million Viewers

The start to this year’s much heralded Euro’96 competition saw 8.5 million individuals tuning in to see Saturday’s opening match between England and Switzerland; this was a 71.7% share of all individuals; 71% share of all adults and a 77.2% share of all men. This was an average rating of 24.7.

Sunday’s matches saw interest drop in the tournament; ITV’s match, Spain v Bulgaria which started at 14:30 attracted 4.6 million viewers. Later in the day however, for BBC1’s matches, viewing rose. The Germany v Czech Republic match, at 17:00, attracted 6.5 million viewers; this was a 49.1% viewing share of all adults, rising to a 61.7% share amongst men.

The Denmark v Portugal match which started at 19:30, opposite ITV’s You’ve Been Framed and Wycliffe, attracted 7.1 million viewers; this was a share of 33.2% of all adults and just 46.5% of men.

Monday’s Holland v Scotland match, shown at 16:30, attracted the next highest audience after the opening day; with 7.8 million viewers, and a 75.9% share of all men viewing. The Scots showed the extent of their interest in their national side; the average rating for all men was 22, but for the North Scotland area the average rating was 37.7, peaking to 41.8 at 18:00 . In Central Scotland the average for men was 23.1 peaking at 28.6 at 18:00. Amongst 16-34 year olds, the peak rating was 38.8 in North Scotland and 48.6 in Central Scotland.

Romania v France on Monday, although on at peak time, attracted less viewers, 7.0 million, with a share of adults of 34.4% and 47.8% for men.

Yesterday’s Italy v Russia match, on at 16:30 attracted 6.1 million viewers, with a 67% share of men. Turkey v Croatia, however, on in peak time, attracted 6. 8 million viewers, with a 45.5% share of men.

Source: Unofficial Barb Overnights