ITV Enjoys Best Sunday Peak Since 2004

Broadcaster ITV, delivered its best Sunday peak time performance since the 13th June yesterday, boosted by the Grand Prix which achieved its largest number of viewers of the season so far.

Heartbeat built on this strong performance, drawing in 8.6 million viewers, gaining 800,000 viewers on last week and attracting a 35% share at 8pm, giving the programme its highest share and largest number of viewers so far this year.

ITV’s Midsomer Murders averaged an audience of 9.2 million and a 40% share between 9pm and 11pm, while BBC1’s Fingersmith was down week on week, dropping 1.2 million viewers and 6 share points by viewing share of just 15% between 9-10pm.

Channel Five’s Joey attracted just 1.6 million viewers, a massive 61% decline compared to the 4.1 million it achieved at the start of the series (see Joey Breaks Five’s Viewing Records With 4.1 Million). In peak time, Five’s share was its worst Sunday of 2005 to date.

Last week, Crown Castle awarded its highly sought after empty Freeview slot to ITV, allowing the broadcaster to further extend its presence on the free-to-air terrestrial platform and dashing Channel 4’s hopes of launching a new channel this year (see ITV Scoops Crown Castle’s Extra Freeview Capacity).

The decision was announced by broadcast infrastructure company, Crown Castle, and will give ITV extra broadcast capacity on multiplex D, currently used by UKTV Bright Ideas, ftn and several digital radio stations.

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com

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