Cilla's Back (The Premiership)

Member Name: somersetsaint

Product:	The Premiership
Date:	15/11/01 (34 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Only place for Premier footy on terrestrial

Disadvantages: Everything

Two months in and ITV's attempt at prime time Saturday night football has failed miserably. Why?

Firstly, the timing. Some have suggested that the target audience are out at that time. In my opinion, the majority are in fact still in, getting ready for their night out and would indeed watch it given some quality (see below).

The real audience problem is with the 25+ male, with a partner or family who (quite reasonably) want to watch something together rather than giving up the sofa to the beautiful game.

Maybe ITV's move to a later slot will work, but they will need some sweeping changes to win back the ex-Match of the Day viewers. I am among many who find The Premiership almost unwatchable due to the length and frequency of advert breaks. No doubt some make the effort to video it and fast-wind through the breaks; the same people presumably wind on through the 'expert analysis' from the unbearably smug McCoist and Venables double act. As for Andy Townsend's 'tactics truck', well, frankly I feel sorry for him.

Verdict: a lot of work to do.

Summary: