Broadcasting: Channel 5 viewers in a minority

Channel 5 can be received in fewer than half the country's homes, according to advertising agencies who have analysed its first two weeks' viewing figures. The channel had predicted it would be received in 65 per cent of homes from day one, rising to nearer 85 per cent after a year. However, the agencies' analysis shows that only 35 per cent of homes have so far watched it, meaning that just 40 to 45 per cent of them are capable of receiving a clear signal, according to the trade journal Media Week.

Channel 5 had to retune 9 million video recorders before launch to make sure its signal did not interfere with TV reception of other channels. It estimated that 3 million homes would need new aerials before they could get a picture - even if they lived within a transmission area.