ITV Faces April Ratings Slump

ITV is facing a slump in youth viewing during April, with reports this morning claiming the broadcaster faces one of its worst ever downturns.

According to Campaign magazine, the TV giant has seen a 20% downturn in 16-34 year old impacts year on year, with its audience share in the same group slipping by 18% over the course of the month.

Campaign speculates that the dip is due to ITV not scheduling any “event” programming, such as Hell’s Kitchen, and claims the figures have been ratified by the broadcaster.

The downturn in viewing by lucrative young audiences will dent advertisers’ confidence in ITV, although under the Contract Right Renewal agreement could deliver cheaper advertising next year.

ITV chief executive Charles Allen has called for an end to the CRR rules in recent months, stating that the complex pricing regulation could cost the broadcaster £150 million this year (see Allen Calls To End Contract Renewal Rules).

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com