[Red Moon]

C4 suffers most as viewers turn off

Channel 4 was the biggest loser of the terrestrial channels in the decline in audience share last year.

The network, which suffered a dent in viewing for its biggest show, Big Brother, found its all-hours share slip by 1% from 9.8% to 8.8% last year.

Terrestrial viewing has been declining because of the growth in digital channels and an explosion of viewing on the internet and other media.

BBC One dropped to 22% from 22.8% the previous year, and BBC2 fell by 0.3% to 8.5%. ITV1 went from 19.8% to 19.3, and Five dropped from 5.7% to 5.2%.

The BBC said: "This year has seen some key schedule changes which have worked well for BBC One. The One Show established itself as a solid performer at 7pm... The move of Panorama into peak both grew and brought a younger audience to it, increasing its average audience by half a million, and doubling the proportion of under 35s making up its audience.

"Sunday nights have been boosted by the recent move of the Strictly Results to early evening, and Antiques Roadshow into the 8pm slot."

ITV's daytime audience improved after it decided to remove children's programming from weekday afternoons. It said it had enjoyed its biggest ever year since 2001.

Simon Shaps, ITV's Director of Television, 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 and the best in live sport."

Channel 4's all-hours share includes its ratings for S4C in Wales.

Source: Press Association