Queen Latifah presented the pre-recorded magazine-style show

Acceptance speeches had to be taped for the show because of the Hollywood writers' strike.

The show averaged 6m viewers overall in the US, down 5.3m on last year.

People's Choice organisers were forced to change their plans last month after the Writers Guild of America refused to let its members write for awards shows.

The ratings are based on figures from analysts Nielsen Media Research.

The award show's new format saw film, music and TV stars receive their prizes on location.

"There was no sense of ceremony. It was like something being done in a bunker," TV Guide critic Matt Roush told Reuters.

Johnny Depp and Reese Witherspoon were among the main winners.

'Respect'

The forthcoming Golden Globes ceremony has been replaced by a news conference because of the strike.

Writers, who are demanding higher royalties, have been on strike since November.

Actors are showing solidarity by refusing to cross picket lines, meaning they cannot attend awards ceremonies.

People's Choice host Queen Latifah said: "The thing about the People's Choice Awards that's different from everybody else is it's the people's choice.

"You can't disrespect the people who keep us working... Ten million people logged on and voted for everyone, so out of respect for them we have to present the awards."

Winners will receive their awards but the lavish ceremony will be dropped

Depp and Witherspoon were voted the favourite male and female movie stars.

Grey's Anatomy stars Patrick Dempsey and Katherine Heigl took home the male and female TV star awards.

Ellen DeGeneres picked up two awards for best talk show host and funny female.

And Keira Knightley won the best female action star award for her role in Pirates of the Caribbean.

In the music categories, Justin Timberlake and Gwen Stefani were named favourite singers.

Reformed pop group The Police were awarded the prize for best reunion tour.

Meanwhile, the fate of other Hollywood award ceremonies, including the Oscars, remains in question due to the ongoing writers' strike.