Industry Shorts: Bbc, ITV Uefa, British Lions
An audience of 31 million people tuned in to watch the final of UEFA EURO 2020 across both the BBC and ITV.
According to the BBC, ratings peaked during the deciding penalty shootout, however an average of 29.85 million watched throughout the night. A peak of 25 million watched on the BBC, with six million tuning in on ITV.
The news means the final was the most-watched TV event since the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, and eclipsed the statement given by Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing lockdown measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in March 2020 – an announcement which was broadcast across the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Sky News.
UEFA has announced increased investment in its anti match-fixing structures, as well as a plan to further develop its internal unit of experts and investigators in the field.
The move follows the conclusion of a feasibility study, which the confederation says shows that ‘intelligence, investigation, and prevention’, are the main sectors that ‘need to be strengthened’ to combat match-fixing.
UEFA says it will increase its co-operation with local authorities; developing a ‘comprehensive’ education, awareness and training programme; and use ‘technological tools’ to identify integrity concerns.
More coronavirus cases have impacted the British & Irish Lions’ Tour to South Africa after a number of Springboks players – including captain Siya Kolisi – tested positive.
The news comes just two weeks before the first Test, and after some 20 cases were recorded in the South Africa camp, including coach Jacques Nienaber who tested positive last Monday.
A number of Springbok players will return to training this week, however Dan du Preez, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Scarra Ntubeni, and Makazole Mapimpi – as well as three of the management team – have all tested positive.
Former BT Sport Director of Creative and Digital, Mike Norrish, has been appointed to the same role at Premier League Productions.
Norrish joins the IMG-owned company which provides studio shows and commentary, as well as distributing AV for the Premier League’s global audience and international productions.
He joins the company having spent eight years at BT Sport.
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