Band Aid 2004 video attracts 20m viewers on TV debut

by Joe Lepper,, Brand Republic 19-Nov-04, 11:00

LONDON - The cross-channel TV broadcast of the new Band Aid video last night is understood to have attracted an audience of as many as 20m.

The video was shown on the five terrestrial networks as well as more than 20 cable and satellite channels, including Sky One, all MTV channels, The Box, Magic and Kerrang!.

The video, which like the original comprised footage shoot on the day of recording, attracted the huge audience when it was shown yesterday at 5.55pm. Of those that tuned in, 13.5m were terrestrial viewers watching on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five.

This latest reincarnation featured a new line-up of pop stars including Robbie Williams, Sugababes, Dido and Coldplay's Chris Martin singing the 1984 charity hit 'Do They Know it's Christmas?'.

The broadcast also featured news footage of famine in Africa and was introduced by Madonna, who asked viewers to "feed the world".

According to Madonna: "In a world of plenty, it is hard to imagine that most African children will go to bed tonight hungry. Bob Geldof and his friends are here to remind you that we can never forget."

A Band Aid spokeswoman said: "It is something completely unprecedented. I have never known even for a Royal occasion to be shown on all channels like that."

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