News Round Up: BSkyB, Channel Tunnel, Coronation Street, Eastenders
A round up of some of the media, marketing and technology stories making the news this morning.
Christmas television viewing reaches ten year high, with BBC1 leading the way
Christmas TV viewing reached a ten year high over the weekend, with BBC1’s Eastenders the most watched programme, attracting 15.8 million viewers on Christmas Day. BBC1 broadcast the top five most watched shows while ITV1 struggled to make an impact, with only Coronation Street and Emmerdale making the top 10 list. BBC1’s audience share across Christmas Day was 30.4%, while digital TV also helped growth. On Christmas Day channels other than the five main networks accounted for 42% of all TV viewing, while Sky Sports 1’s Ashes coverage attracted a healthy 1 million viewers after play began at 11.30pm.
Channel Tunnel to get mobile phone coverage in time for London 2012 Olympics
Reports suggest that Britain’s four main mobile phone networks – Vodafone, 3, o2 and Everywhere Everywhere have joined forces with leading French operators to share the cost of providing mobile coverage along the tunnels 31.4 mile length. UK telecoms regulator Ofcom confirmed that it is preparing to issue spectrum licenses which will allow French and British operators to share airwaves inside the tunnel. Vodafone are believed to be heading the UK initiative, but an official announcement has yet to be made.
Coronation Street musical to incorporate X Factor-style talent search?
Two of ITV’s biggest shows could be close to combining as the search begins for a stage replacement of Rovers Return barmaid Becky McDonald, played by Katherine Kelly. With Kelly unable to commit to the stage musical (set to debut in Manchester in 2011, before moving to London’s West End) ITV bosses are considering turning the search into a reality show, plugging into a potentially huge viewership. Despite Kelly being unable to take on a stage role, bosses have earmarked the popular actress for a place on the judging panel.
Public support independent probe on proposed BSkyB deal
An opinion poll run by ICM has revealed that 63% of respondents believe there should be a probe into the deal which would see the Rupert Murdoch owned News Corporation take full control of the broadcaster. Industry regulator Ofcom will file a report on the deal to the Government by December 31, when Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt will decide whether to refer the case to the Competition Commission. Hunt’s decision was due to be handled by Business Secretary Vince Cable, before he told undercover journalists he would block any proposed deal, “declaring war” on Murdoch’s media empire.