Boris Johnson’s coronavirus ordeal and his subsequent war on obesity has sent shudders through Britain’s beleaguered TV industry. The prime minister’s grand plan to slim down the nation includes outlawing adverts for junk food before the 9pm watershed. There will also be a consultation on the adverts being banned online as well.
Despite the government’s recent impact assessment suggesting the ban would cut average child consumption by just 1.7 calories a day, Johnson is adamant adverts are to blame. The 9pm watershed is not expected until 2022, but it could not have come at a worse time for media brands. ITV would lose about £100m if the pre-watershed ban was implemented, according to industry estimates. Channel 4 could lose £40m. Any weakening of Britain’s broadcasters