Impressive viewing figures of 373,000 for Saturday’s Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final ensured that more than a million television viewers had tuned into Yorkshire Television’s Rugby League coverage.
The thrilling Grand Final that saw Dewsbury Rams beat Leigh Centurions 13-12 with the last kick of the game was the culmination of Yorkshire’s four-programme series that featured the ‘lifestyle’ feature entitled ‘RugbyLeague Raw’.
The controversial first programme pulled in 160,000 viewers and this was followed by returns of 250,000 and 260,000 for the next two programmes.
Saturday’s Grand Final was covered in four ITV regions with Yorkshire TV providing the highest percentage of viewers followed very closely by that of the Granada TV. The Premiership showdown was also shown in the Border and Tyne-Tees regions.
Dave Callaghan, the Rugby Football League’s Director of Communications, said: ‘It has really pleased the Rugby Football League that ‘Rugby League Raw’ and the coverage of the Grand Final was so well received.
‘We will now talk to our TV partners about increasing coverage of the Northern Ford Premiership for next season that is due kick off on December 3.’
Bob McDermott, chairman of the Association of Premiership Clubs, commented: ‘This once again proves that Rugby League has a future on terrestrial television and the viewing figures are a massive boost for both our clubs and sponsors.
‘I hope that we can arrive at a deal with both Yorkshire TV and Northern Ford for next season that will enable us to build on the success of the last two seasons. Yorkshire TV have certainly hit upon a real winner this time.’
Yorkshire Television producer Nick Beaumont says: ‘It is fantastic that the series has been so well received by the Rugby League public. ‘Rugby League Raw’ attracted incredible interest from the fans and we have been delighted by the response.’
For Further Information Please Contact:
John Huxley
Media and PR Manager
Rugby Football League Media and Marketing Department,
Tel: +44(0)113 237 5014
Fax: +44(0)113 232 3838
E-mail: info@rfl.uk.com