ITV1 records lowest ratings for the year as ITV2 hits highest

by Staff, Brand Republic 18-Mar-05, 11:00

LONDON - ITV has recorded its lowest peaktime ratings for ITV1 in 2005 with just 2.7m tuning into IVF documentary 'Precious Babies' as its digital channel ITV2 hit its best ratings for the year with 1.1m watching the Uefa Cup match between Newcastle and Olympiakos.

The first 60-minute episode of three-part documentary 'Precious Babies' at 9pm put ITV into fourth place on Tuesday night, with BBC One, Channel 4 and Five all pulling in more viewers.

ITV did not fare well in the 10pm slot either. The first 30 minutes of 'First Love, Second Chance' brought 2.4m to the network while the second instalment at 11pm picked up 1.7m.

ITV usually averages around the 6m mark for its peaktime weekday shows with soaps 'Coronation Street' and 'Emmerdale' regularly pulling in audiences of more than 11m.

Total peaktime shares for Tuesday March 15 saw the BBC outstrip ITV1 with 31% of the audience while the network struggled with 18% -- the two broadcasters are usually neck-and-neck.

ITV2 on the other hand, recorded its highest ratings for the year to date, with 1.1m or 6.8% audience share during Wednesday night's Uefa football match between Newcastle and Olympiakos.

This figure was more than double the audience of rival Sky One across peak-hours.

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