ITV and Setanta showing a decrease in FA Cup viewers

According to the latest series of numbers, the English FA Cup ratings are down. In a report issued by TV Sports Markets, it appears as though ITV and Setanta are being held partially responsible for the decrease in viewers, with both securing a third-round audience lower than expected. Not surprisingly, speculation has since arisen that the Football Association (FA) is obliterating the positive effects of the BBC’s prior coverage.

ITV boasted an average decrease of 16 percent, in contrast to the coverage provided by the BBC from 2005 through to 2008. Likewise, Setanta numbers were less than those put secured by Sky Sports, with both broadcasters failing to pull in comparable viewers in earlier rounds as well. The problems are being attributed to Setanta’s lack of power in the broadcasting world, along with the general expectation that ITV audiences will be lower than that of the BBC.

Despite results of the TV Sports Market report, sponsors accept the drop in numbers in exchange for receiving more publicity on a commercial channel that holds less restrictions than that of the BBC, as stated by Sportbusiness. Overall, the totals are nothing to panic about, with ITV still managing to nab an average audience of 5.5 million during Saturday night’s match between Preston and Liverpool. It is further anticipated that ITV will experience a boost in viewers for the fourth-round match set to take place between Manchester United and Liverpool.