ITV Clinches Annual Viewing Share Over BBC1

According to ITC data released today, the ITV Network (including GMTV) attained an average viewing share of 32.5% for the year up to 30 June 1998. BBC1 gained a share of 30.0%. However, BBC2 pipped Channel 4 gaining 11.2% average share, to C4’s 9.9%.

Channel 5 managed to clock an average viewing share of 3.5% for the twelve month period. However, C5 is claiming that unofficial BARB figures for last week (ending Sunday 2 August) show the station achieved an audience share of 5.8%.

This is the first time since its launch that C5 has broken the 5% share barrier. C5 attributes the success to films, football and its Wild, Wet and Windy themed weekend. The channel also claims that the figures show it outperforming both channels 2 and 4 during peak time on Sunday.

Dawn Airey, C5’s controller of programmes, said: “The way in which our audience has gone from strength to strength this year is a great credit to the success of our schedule. The ratings we are currently achieving are all the more remarkable when you consider our relatively restricted coverage compared with the other four terrestrial channels.”

Independent Television Commission: 0171 255 3000 Channel 5: 0171 550 5555