Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris
Absolute figures have been dropping for all terrestrial channels for decades. Doctor Who was cancelled at the end of the 1980s for "low" viewing figures which many episodes of the new series have achieved, and are now considered average-to-good.
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The problem for the terrestrial channels is that way back in the 80s and early nineties, we had 4 channels to watch. Sky added (IIRC) another 15, and Cable added some of those 15 channels, and others. However, due to the cost of installation, neither Sky nor cable were serious competitors at the time. As such, the big shows were getting 10 - 12 million viewers, and (in the case of Eastenders) went up to about 30.
Now, the population hasn't increased that much, but the average viewer has access to over 300 channels. Even Freeview owners have access to 50. Most viewers also have access (show they be willing to pay) to online video services such as Netflix, Lovefilm (whatever they call it now), blinkbox and Sky Now, as well as the various catchup services and sources of illegal streams/downloads.
Regarding Dr Who, I saw Micheal Grade being interviewed and the interview asked about Dr Who. MG did admit that the viewing figures for it were actually good at the time (bearing in mind it was up against Coronation Street a lot of the time), and the real reason he axed it was simply that he didn't like it.