The BBC has countered ITV’s **World Cup** ratings success by securing exclusive live rights to several “family-friendly” matches in the first knockout phase, including England’s encounter with the Democratic Republic of Congo, reports BritPanorama.
In a strategic move, BBC executives stated that their priority for the Round of 32 is to schedule fixtures that are suitable for children and families to watch together as the tournament intensifies. This decision comes amid ongoing competition for viewership between the two channels.
Having the first choice among the 16 knockout games, the BBC selected England’s opening match in the knockout stage, set to commence at 5pm on Wednesday, which slots conveniently as the first pre-watershed game following late-starting matches at 9pm and 10pm.
The BBC promotes itself as the “only free-to-air destination to watch the Three Lions” commence their knockout campaign, offering a vital service to UK viewers seeking live coverage.
In addition to England’s match, the BBC will also showcase the 6pm clash between Ivory Coast and Norway on Tuesday, emphasizing its commitment to family viewership.
This assertive positioning suggests the BBC is keen to regain some ground after ITV captured seven of the top ten largest viewing figures during the group stage, including England’s notable 4-2 victory over Croatia, which attracted a peak audience of 16.4 million.
Nearly 14 million watch late-night Panama drama
England’s 2-0 victory over Panama, which concluded at midnight on Saturday, reached a peak audience of 13.8 million on ITV, constituting 80 percent of viewers watching TV at that hour.
Conversely, the BBC recorded a peak audience of 15.4 million for England’s second group game, a goalless draw against Ghana. This match generated a remarkable 8.3 million viewing requests on the iPlayer and the BBC sports website and app.
Despite these figures, the BBC has faced criticism for broadcasting from a Salford studio featuring a computer-generated backdrop of American skylines, in stark contrast to ITV’s stylish set located in Brooklyn, which provides a view of the Manhattan skyline.
ITV’s analysis team, including Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Gary Neville, have been candid in critiquing England’s performances, potentially drawing more viewer engagement.
Notably, former BBC personality Gary Lineker’s guest appearance on ITV’s coverage included jests aimed at his previous employer’s studio set-up, while he promoted his Netflix podcast, The Rest of Football.
Nevertheless, the BBC remains confident, buoyed by appearances and insights from figures like former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who provide valuable commentary.
Key members of the BBC sports team are also anticipated to travel to North America for the knockout stages as England progresses.
BBC & ITV test cross-promotion
A novel “non-aggression pact” between ITV and the BBC has introduced cross-promotions, with both networks directing viewers to upcoming games on rival channels. This cooperative approach has reportedly included late-night discussions to finalize the split of matches for the Round of 32.
The BBC’s emphasis on “family-friendly” viewing options suggests that the rivalry for ratings is intensifying as the tournament approaches its conclusion on 19 July.
ITV has historically chosen to broadcast two of England’s group games, capitalizing on high viewership numbers for advertisers, while granting BBC first pick in the knockout rounds.
ITV gets Argentina vs Cape Verde
Among ITV’s selections for the Round of 32 is the eagerly anticipated match between Argentina and Cape Verde, alongside fixtures featuring Brazil and France, which have shown to be among the most entertaining teams thus far.
BBC sources indicate that the collaboration in cross-promoting matches will persist throughout the tournament. This approach reflects a willingness from BBC head of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski to share both matches and talent, permitting presenters like Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman to work concurrently with Sky.
Nonetheless, the increase in World Cup fixtures will pose a logistical challenge for the BBC’s sports department beginning Monday, coinciding with the start of Wimbledon. The All-England Club expects the BBC to prominently feature the tennis coverage as part of a deal extending through 2033.
To accommodate football broadcasts, live Wimbledon coverage is expected to shift from BBC One to BBC Two, with viewers advised to utilize iPlayer for alternate match content. The Congo kick-off is likely to prompt early office departures as workers aim to witness the game in real-time.
