Let It Snow! – TV ratings could surge this weekend due to cold weather

Broadcasters could be in for a treat this weekend as millions are expected to stay in the warm due to the cold snap.

 

 

Broadcasters could be in for a treat this weekend as millions are expected to stay in the warm due to the cold snap.

Temperatures this week across the country have fallen as low as -5C and several inches of snow has fallen across northern England and Scotland. More snow showers are expected across the country with widespread icy roads.

The current weather conditions could help TV programmes this weekend as many are likely to opt to stay in, rather then risk going out. The X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing are likely to see their ratings rise even further. The X Factor should be able to top its peak of 16 million last weekend for the results show. At the beginning of February last year, a blanket of snow covered most of the UK, resulting in high television ratings for that week.

Monday 2nd February 2009 was snow-day, and witnessed dramatic increase of viewers for various programmes. The BBC regional news programmes attracted nearly 10 million viewers, up from the average of 6 million viewers who watch the BBC local news. EastEnders and Coronation Street were also up into the 11 million range, with EastEnders up by 1.5 million from the previous week.

It is hoped that if the cold spell continues, TV viewership could rise, which will help the commercial broadcasters. Early warnings for next week show that blizzard conditions could be on its way to parts of the country.