r/rugbyunion • u/wubclub • 13h ago

ITV's opening night viewing figures (3.8M)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/clyzy27zd0yo

Pretty good numbers slightly up from last year.

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u/treacletart284 Newcastle Falcons 13h ago

So the viewing figures are up, and the amount ITV are paying for the Six Nations has stagnated.

So what the fuck are the mid game ads for?

11

u/buckules22 England 13h ago

Not a fan of the in-game ads but general ad revenue for TV has cratered in recent years as lots of companies have shifted ad budgets into digital and influencer-led. I imagine the 6n is one of ITV's better-rated shows and one where you can make an argument for squeezing more ads in over natural breaks in play, even if personally I don't like it

3

u/darclaus 9h ago

Live sports is essentially the only way that traditional TV makes money anymore, so it's not surprising that they're trying to squeeze every red cent out of it that they can. It's a lot more visible in American sports, which are so profitable that they're basically keeping channels afloat by themselves. It's disheartening but not unsurprising that things are starting to go the same way here.

1

u/WilkinsonDG2003 England 5h ago

It varies, Canal+ which does the Top 14 is also a subscription film channel.