The BBC has reported a surge in breakfast time streaming, with 80 million requests to stream BBC Breakfast in 2020, up 56% year-on-year.
On TV, the show remains by the most watched UK breakfast programme, with more than 10m regularly tuning in each week. On BBC One, the highest reach of the year was 7.3m. The average daily reach was 5.7m, tuning in at some point during the show’s airtime. Figures across linear TV and iPlayer were boosted by pandemic-related breaking news and developments as well as more viewers being at home, instead of commuting.
Last month, ITV confirmed its breakfast programme Good Morning Britain had 41,697,911 stream requests during 2020 through the ITV Hub. While less than BBC Breakfast, the figure also constituted an increase on previous years, as viewing moves to mobile and online devices in bedrooms, kitchens and on the go.
Ratings and audience share have become a hotly contested matter for both BBC and ITV shows, with staff and presenters frequently posting snippets of ratings data which support their breakfast show.
Richard Frediani, Editor, BBC Breakfast, says: “It’s encouraging to see that millions have turned to BBC Breakfast to stay informed and entertained in what has been a difficult time for many. From investigating the crisis in care homes to the roll out of the Coronavirus vaccine, along with heart-warming stories like Captain Tom’s fundraising efforts and celebrating lockdown heroes, BBC Breakfast continues to be there for viewers in times of need.”
[BBC MC | ITV PC]