ITV builds a World Cup ratings lead over the BBC
Reports say the commercial broadcaster is drawing larger audiences than the BBC for key tournament moments, raising the stakes for advertisers and rights buyers.
Sophie Bennett
Writer ·

ITV's World Cup coverage has become a ratings story in its own right, with reports saying the commercial broadcaster is drawing larger audiences than the BBC for key tournament moments.
Why it matters
The trend matters for advertisers, schedulers and sports-rights buyers, because live football remains one of the few formats able to gather mass audiences in real time.
Behind the numbers
The contest is also about presentation. Viewers are comparing pundit panels, commentary teams, streaming reliability and how easily highlights can be found after the final whistle, and those judgements are feeding into where audiences settle.
Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by The Sun. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.
The NE Times is an independent news and analysis publisher. Our articles combine factual reporting with clearly-written, impartial analysis. Content is for general information and does not constitute professional advice. Disclaimer.
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