Broadcast TV Viewership Plummets to Record Low
Traditional TV is losing viewers faster than ever, Ofcom reveals. Weekly broadcast TV audiences fell from 83% in 2021 to just 79% in 2022. On top of that, the average daily time spent watching dropped from 2 hours 59 minutes to 2 hours 38 minutes. Streaming giants are gobbling up viewers, leaving traditional channels in a fight for survival.
BBC One and ITV1 Still Reign Supreme for Big Events
Despite the slump, BBC One and ITV1 remain the UK’s top picks for major national moments. Public service broadcasters continue to deliver events that bring the nation together, from England’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final to the Queen’s State Funeral and Platinum Jubilee. These shared TV moments keep traditional viewing alive – at least for now.
Mass Audiences Shrink as Streaming Takes Over
The report highlights a sharp drop in shows pulling in huge audiences. Programs with over 4 million viewers have more than halved since 2022. This includes flagship early and late evening news bulletins and popular soaps like Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Emmerdale.
Meanwhile, streaming services dominate when it comes to big hits. Last year, only 48 programmes hit the 4 million mark, mostly on Netflix. Older viewers (65+) are also increasingly abandoning broadcast TV in favour of streaming platforms.
Ofcom Calls it a Media Battle for Attention
“Viewers have more choice than ever before, leading to fierce competition for their attention,” said Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcom’s group director of strategy and research. “Traditional broadcasters are losing viewers to on-demand and streaming, but they still shine during important cultural and sporting events thanks to their public service role. Their on-demand platforms are growing too.”
Viewers are switching off traditional TV at record rates, signalling a new era in UK viewing habits.
