TV Story of the Week
Love Island’s ninth series debut attracted a peak of 1.7m viewers on the 16th of Jan ITV2 linear, with 2m across all devices. Figures marked a fall on last June's Love Island peak of 3m across all devices. According to ITV, the 1.7m linear peak, marked the biggest 16-34 audience at 0.6m. ITV said Love Island has also become the most-watched programme on ITVX this year and ITV2's biggest audience (across all devices) since Love Island Reunion in August 2022.
Industry Story of the Week
The IPA has released their latest Bellwether report which outlines total marketing budgets were revised upward of 2.2%. This is a welcome change from the previous quarter, which saw main media marketing budgets decline (-3.1%). It is the first time since Q1 2022 that main media marketing budgets have been upwardly revised. Growth in main media in Q4 2022 was driven primarily by upward revisions in video (+13.7%) and other online (+6.3%), whereas audio budgets were unchanged.
Radio Story of the Week
A Devon teenager is thought to be the UK’s youngest newsreader after joining Radio Exe. 16 year old Josh Tate began work experience with the Exeter-based station last August, with the hope of learning new skills by shadowing sports reporters. However, producers decided his resonant voice would be a welcome addition to the station’s line-up, leading Josh to compile and read sports bulletins within days of him approaching the Devon broadcaster.
Technology Story of the Week
Apple is working on a series of devices aimed at challenging Amazon and Google in the smart home market, including new displays and a faster TV set-top box, after relaunching its larger HomePod speaker. The push into smart displays will start with a tablet product that can control things like thermostats and lights, show video and handle FaceTime chats. The product could be mounted onto walls or elsewhere with magnetic fasteners.