ABSTRACT
Traditionally on television there have been a number of highly popular programmes that could be guaranteed to attract huge audiences. These included soap operas such as Coronation Street and EastEnders, which played a key role in the scheduling of peak-time early evening programmes. However, an increasing number of viewing options available through digital and satellite channels have begun to chip away at the mass audience in recent years. On commercial channels this has been accompanied by a reduction in the rates that can be charged for advertising slots during these programmes, meaning that the stations no longer make as much money from them.
