Terrestrial suffering as 75% go digital

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Television viewers are dropping terrestrial channels - while nearly three-quarters now watch digital, the latest figures have revealed.

More than 18.5 million homes are receiving digital after around 1.4 million Freeview boxes were sold between July and September, according to Ofcom.

Meanwhile, figures just released by Channel 4 show that people are abandoning conventional programming. ITV's audience share last year was down by nine per cent to 19.7 per cent, BBC One's down two per cent to 22.7 per cent, BBC Two fell by six per cent to 8.8 per cent and Five was down by 11 per cent to 5.7 per cent. The only terrestrial channel to see a rise was Channel 4, from 9.7 per cent to 9.8 per cent.

Jana Bennett, BBC Vision director, commented: "The BBC channels have all turned in strong performances this year in a very competitive environment as digital viewing continues to climb. It's only going to get tougher as other broadcasters strengthen their portfolios. Creative competition and choice can only be good for the viewers."

Source: Digital Spy