Virgin Media Releases New TV Research

One in ten Britons will spend over 14 years in front of their TV’s over the course of a lifetime, according to research released today by Virgin Media’s TV on demand service.

The survey also reveals that despite almost one third (29%) of Britons spending over 20 hours each week in front of the TV, it does not seem to matter what viewers are watching. Seventy-one per cent of Britons claim they often sit in front of programmes for the sake of it.

In addition, 52% of viewers claim the previous night’s TV regularly forms the basis of conversation with friends and family.

Despite the vast majority of Britons claiming to watch a wide variety of TV, the research found that 21% of viewers feel they do not watch a balanced array of TV programmes, meaning they only watch their favourite shows, or switch over to something else without thinking about it.

Psychologist Honey Langcaster-James said: “As a nation we are clearly more in love with our TV than ever before, but we seem to be less concerned with what we are actually watching – unless it’s our beloved favourite show.

“We don’t realise how much of what we watch affects us – even the survey demonstrates that TV forms the basis of much social interaction with friends – so it’s rather worrying that 71% of us watch stuff for the sake of it! It’s increasingly important that people think about spending their viewing time more wisely and consuming a more rounded selection of programmes.”

Virgin Media: www.virginmedia.com