- Broadcast news
F1 TV audiences fall in 2012
Global TV audiences
- 2008 - 600 million
2009 - 520 million
2010 - 527 million
2011 - 515 million
2012 - 502 million
The number of viewers across the world watching Formula One on TV fell slightly in 2012 with a marked decline in the audience in China accounting for most of the decline.
While the overall TV audience slipped from around 515 million in 2011 to just over 500 million, in China there was a 34% drop, largely caused by a number of grands prix clashing with local sports events.
The 2012 figures were included in Formula One′s annual broadcast report which measured the number of people who watched more than 15 non-consecutive minutes throughout the season.
"A small handful of territories didn't meet expectations in terms of reach," Bernie Ecclestone admitted, "with the Chinese market suffering a decrease which could not be absorbed by a significant number of increases elsewhere."
On the plus side, figures showed an increase in Brazil, Spain and Italy, but fell in the US, UK, Russia and China. The data will be monitored closely by teams and sponsors.
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
