The Stage

‘ITV is finishing 2007 strongly’, insists Grade

Published Thursday 13 December 2007 at 13:30 by Matthew Hemley

ITV executive chairman Michael Grade today claimed the broadcaster has made “measurable progress” during 2007, citing improvement in both advertising revenues and viewing figures.

In a trading update for the 12 months ending December 31, ITV said its performance was “in line with expectations”, with net advertising revenues for its entire portfolio of channels down just 0.6% for the year compared with 8.4% in 2006.

It said ITV1’s net advertising revenue was down 4.4%, compared with 12.4% last year, while advertising revenues from its digital channels had increased by 32% in 2007, to £209 million.

The broadcaster also said it had managed to stem a decline in viewing figures, with ITV1’s share of audiences watching commercial TV down 3.3%, compared with 10% the year before.

The broadcaster is also on track to make £40 million efficiency savings in 2008.

Grade said: “ITV plc has made measurable progress during the course of 2007. On-screen ITV1’s performance has been much improved, we have assembled a formidable senior management team and we’ve seen real growth in the whole television advertising market over the second half of the year. ITV is finishing 2007 strongly.”

In terms of programmes, ITV said Coronation Street was the top performing soap on any channel and claimed that Britain’s Got Talent was the “top show of the year”.

ITV director of television Simon Shaps said: “ITV1 has had a very encouraging year ratings-wise, with its best year-on-year all hours share performance since 2001. The 2008 schedule continues the reinvigoration of ITV1 with a range of fresh and original programmes from ambitious, high-concept drama to big scale entertainment.”

ITV’s full year results will be announced on March 5, 2008.