The big story
The ratings battle hotted up over the weekend, with Sunday night TV clashes a plenty. The second episode of ITV’s The X Factor managed to beat Antiques Roadshow to first place in the battle for the 8pm slot, while the debut of ITV’s Victoria beat the BBC’s revival of Are You Being Served? at 9pm.
That battle is only going to get hotter next weekend with the eagerly anticipated return of Poldark for a second series, going up against Victoria. And let’s not forget the launch of The Collection, Amazon’s first UK originated series, next Friday, and the return of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1 just a day later.
Some US executives have expressed concern about the amount of high quality drama, while those in the UK have questioned whether the BBC should be putting its top rated drama or entertainment up against the shows of rivals. But whatever the industry’s concerns, viewers are being offered more impressive TV than ever before. The only problem is finding time to watch it all.
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Best of the rest
Set-top box office: Sky has become a theatrical distributor for local titles in Italy, reports Variety
Amateur status: It’s not quite the Fake Matisse, but claims X Factor hopeful Ryan Lawrie may be more experienced than thought are causing a stir, says the Mail
Audio slave: Major brands are betting big on podcasts, according to Ad Age
Post-pig: ITV’s decision not to keep pursuing Entertainment One raises questions about long it can remain independent, says the Telegraph
And finally....
The Mail on Sunday showed a stunning lack of awareness (or a wicked sense of humour) with this weekend’s front page promotion.
Free gift to help you identify all the countries you no longer want to help! pic.twitter.com/0JfsbnzW1S
— Stig Abell (@StigAbell) August 28, 2016
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