ITV Autumn ’96: More Events Than Ever!

Marcus Plantin, ITV network director, has revealed ITV’s plan for the Autumn. The ITV Drama Premiere is the channel’s new feature adapted to convince viewers that ITV is ahead of the BBC in drama. £20m has been invested in the genre, which include classical adaptations of Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders and Jane Austen’s Emma.

ITV will also screen favourites such as Soldier Soldier, London’s Burning, Taggart, Heartbeat, Cracker and Prime Suspect V.

Coronation Street and Emmerdale will have extra episodes: Emmerdale will be increased to three times a week and a fourth episode of Coronation Street will be shown on Sundays at 7.30pm together with a one-off episode.

Manchester United will head ITV’s sport coverage in the Champions League backed by the Coca-Cola Cup and UEFA Cup. This also includes coverage of motor racing and rugby.

Children’s ITV will be revamped and will feature the cult cartoon, Hey, Arnold! and Superman, The Animated Series.

ITV also hope to attract more film viewers by having special event programmes based around the evening movie premiere. The event programmes include The Bob Downe Show, An Evening With Lilly Savage and Blind Date. Movie premieres scheduled include Last Action Hero, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Unforgiven, Groundhog Day and Sleepless In Seattle.

Marcus Plantin pointed out that contrary to belief, ITV have over 40% of viewing share (6% more than BBC) and have invested £60m more in programmes than Channel 5.

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