ITV has reported strong growth in its OTT services in Q1 2020. Compared to the same period last year, long form online viewing hours were up 75% to 169.4 million, simulcast viewing was up 112% and reach up 40% on the company’s AVOD product, ITV Hub. ITV is also seeing “good growth for BritBox free trial starts and subscriptions”. Broadcast revenue was up 2% at £500m (2019: £489m) with ITV total advertising up 2% and online revenues up 26%. 

On the negative side, however, ITV said that:

  • Total external revenue was down 7% at £694m (2019: £743m)
  • Total ITV Studios revenue was down 11% at £342m (2019: £385m), impacted by the phasing of deliveries and restrictions on working practices due to COVID-19. That said, “ITV Studios Global Distribution is seeing good demand for library content internationally”
  • And there was a significant impact on the demand for advertising across most advertising categories, particularly from April which was down 42%

ITV is aiming to reduce overhead costs by £60m in 2020, £30m of which will be in CAPEX savings. The broadcaster’s programme budget has been cut by £100m to £1bn and around 800 staff – 15% of the total workforce – have been furloughed. A recruitment and salary freeze has also been implemented. 

Revenue for 3 months to 31 March (£m) 2020 2019 %
ITV Broadcast 500 489 2
ITV Studios 342 385 -11
Total revenue 842 874 -4
Internal supply -148 -131 -13
Total external revenue 694 743 -7
       
Revenue for 3 months to 31 March (£m) 2020 2019 %
Total advertising revenue 426 417 2
Non-advertising revenue 416 457 -9
Internal supply -148 -131 -13
Total external revenue 694 743 -7
       
Broadcast KPIs for 3 months to 31 March 2020 2019 %
ITV Total viewing (hrs) 4.43bn 4.36bn 2
ITV Family Share of Viewing (SOV) 23.60% 24.00% -2
Long form online viewing (hrs) 169.4m 96.8m 75
ITV Hub registered user accounts 32 28.4m 13

 

About the author : Kauser Kanji

I've been working in online video since 2005 and have held senior roles at NBC Universal, ITN and Virgin Media. I've also completed VOD projects for the BBC, Netflix, Sony Pictures and a host of broadcasters and service-providers all over the world. Catch me on our weekly debate show, OTT Question Time, or drop me a line on LinkedIn.

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