TV
Coronation Street could be moved to the later time of 8.30pm as part of a strategy to boost peak-time ratings figures, according to a report in today's Guardian.
The soap has been in the same 7.30pm slot for 41 years, but is now facing falling ratings and heightened competition from EastEnders. ITV is particularly concerned that on Mondays and Fridays, when EastEnders is broadcast after the Street at 8pm, viewers are switching away to BBC One, after which it struggles to win viewers back.
A decision to move the soap to a slot one-hour later would aim to provide stronger inheritance for the network's 9pm drama or entertainment series. Emmerdale would be moved from 7pm to 7.30pm.
One unnamed ITV executive told the newspaper: "On paper, it looks great. The question is whether it would have the desired effect in boosting the peak-time schedule, or would destroy the Street for good. It would be a very bold and risky move."
The soap has been in the same 7.30pm slot for 41 years, but is now facing falling ratings and heightened competition from EastEnders. ITV is particularly concerned that on Mondays and Fridays, when EastEnders is broadcast after the Street at 8pm, viewers are switching away to BBC One, after which it struggles to win viewers back.
A decision to move the soap to a slot one-hour later would aim to provide stronger inheritance for the network's 9pm drama or entertainment series. Emmerdale would be moved from 7pm to 7.30pm.
One unnamed ITV executive told the newspaper: "On paper, it looks great. The question is whether it would have the desired effect in boosting the peak-time schedule, or would destroy the Street for good. It would be a very bold and risky move."
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