ITV 1 is Britain's largest independent television channel. Unlike the BBC, ITV is funded by commercial advertising and so has commercial breaks during and between its shows.
ITV 1 is a general channel and shows a mix of entertainment, drama, news and documentaries. Some of Britain's most popular shows originated here. 'Coronation Street', Britain's longest running soap opera and regular ratings topper is a weekday fixture as it has been for over forty years. Detective drama 'Midsomer Murders' is another ITV favorite, as is the popular export 'Broadchurch'.
Light entertainment is also well represented, particularly at the weekends. Simon Cowell's 'The X Factor' talent competition regularly pulls in huge audiences with its mix of singers and other performers. 'I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here!' features celebrities having to survive various unpleasant tasks in the outback of Australia, while viewers vote to keep them on the show or kick them out. Quiz show 'The Chase' features on weekday evenings, pitting members of the public against resident experts. 'The Brits' annual music awards are also shown on ITV 1.
ITV 1 also shows some sport, including Champion's League soccer, and has regular news broadcasts at 6 and 10 P.M. with national and international news, sport and weather.
