ITV2 SCORE BEST EVER RATINGS

ITV2 has scored record ratings with its new autumn line-up and schedule, achieving its highest weekly share of viewing in multichannel homes since launch in 1998.
For the week ending September 30, ITV2 gained a 0.58 per cent share in the multichannel universe, beating the year on year average by almost 150 per cent. The increase in cable homes was even higher, with the channel gaining over 150 per cent more audience share compared to last autumn’s average.
In the seven-day period to September 30, ITV2 gained higher peak-time shares than E4 and BBC Choice on two days – Wednesday, September 26 and Saturday, September 29 – despite being available in significantly fewer multichannel homes. ITV2 has a 32 per cent distribution in multichannel homes – with BBC Choice and E4 being available in approximately three-quarters.
ITV2’s current programme strategy includes support and extension programming around ITV1 programmes such as ‘Pop Idol’, ‘Soapstars’ and ‘Rich And Famous’, first run ‘Coronation Street’ which achieved a channel best programme rating of 634,700 viewers on September 26, the ITV2 Tuesday Night movie season and original commissions ‘The Race’ and ‘Gatecrashers’. Autumn 2001 will also see the launch of ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Interactive’, one of the most significant events on the channel since launch. (CD)