Steerpike Steerpike

Channel 4 News blames Brexit for its low ratings

Channel 4 posted its annual report yesterday, revealing that its revenues were up by £15m in 2018 and its digital audience had increased by a quarter year-on-year. Unfortunately though, it appears that one part of the broadcaster didn’t do quite as well.

Under a section entitled ‘Telling the full story’, Channel 4 News revealed that their viewing figures were down by almost a tenth in 2018. Luckily, the news section of  quickly stumbled across something it could blame for its declining viewing figures: Brexit.

On average, 7.4 million viewers watched Channel 4 News each month, down 9 per cent year-on-year due to a number of factors including change in TV viewing habits, our overall reach being down, increased competition from other news programmes and ‘Brexit fatigue’.

When half the nation is glued to their television screens watching the Commons, and with BBC Parliament briefly topping MTV’s viewing figures, Mr S can’t help but feel a little sceptical of Channel 4’s explanation for the decline.

Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in