SBS’s
broadcasting of the Ashes cricket Tests, which started last night, has had a significant impact on ABC viewing figures. ABC
insiders expected it and say they are not
concerned.

But the
ABC looks like having a rough two and a half months because of the Ashes.
The first day’s play averaged 737,400 people between 7:30 and 11:10pm.
As a result SBS’s national share was a huge 15.9%, with the ABC down on
11.7%.

Nine and Seven were clipped by around a point,
while Ten also suffered.

The cricket audience also helped boost viewing numbers of the Tour de France, with more than
388,000 tuning in to watch the telecast from 11:10 pm.