BBC Scores With England’s Victory Over Slovakia

BBC1 has proved that international football is still a ratings winner with Saturday’s England versus Slovakia Euro 2004 qualifying game attracting a peak audience of 10 million.

The match, which kicked off at 6.30pm, attracted an average audience of 8.5 million and achieved a 41.6% share of viewing. It easily beat the makeover show, How Do I Look, on ITV1 which drew an average audience of 5.7 million and secured 26% share.

The game also surpassed ITV1’s Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes, which drew an average audience of 4.6 million and a achieved a 25% share of viewing.

Earlier this month it was announced ITV had retained the rights to broadcast the UEFA Champion League matches under a new deal covering the 2003 to 2006 seasons (see ITV Retains Champions League Rights). Speculation before the announcement had suggested that the BBC was in a strong position to win the rights. However, the decision scuppered the Corporation’s plans to strengthen its sports output with more European club Football.

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk

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