theredshed wrote:
I don't know how they calculate the TV audience figures these days but in the early 90's the numbers were determined by the number of people spread throughout the UK with special channel monitoring boxes, watching a certain channel at a certain time. If 1 in say every 2 households who had a box just happened to switch to BBC grandstand that afternoon it explains why the figure published was so high. The figure may be total b*ll*x after all it was just an average estimate based on a small percentage of the population.
I too would be taking the p*ss and laughing about it if I hadn't read it for myself!

What I find surprising is that the figure you quoted was only slightly lower than the audience for JFK's assasination. Over the years I've heard many people claim they'll never forget where they were when JFK was killed. I have yet to hear anyone say the same of a Salford - Leigh Regal Trophy encounter.
Say what you wish about the way TV ratings are calculated (I believe it's no different now) but you'll never convince me that Salford v Leigh is one of the highest rated TV events in UK history. Sorry.