October 4, 2007
Times — and talk — are changing for TV viewers
As channel choices and technological options have expanded, fewer of us are watching the same shows at the same time on the same day. And it's increasingly affecting the national conversation, reports USA Today.
"We're right at the beginning of the (viewing) change — the vast majority, about 70%, still watch at the same time even when they have TiVo, but it is clearly changing," says TV historian and author Tim Brooks, a research executive at the cable channel Lifetime.
... Brooks says there's still a strong urge to share some events, such as breaking news, the Super Bowl or live competitions such as American Idol and Dancing With the Stars. "There's something about our society and our desire to have something to share, so there's still room for some of that."
But Ed Robertson, TV historian and radio host, says the concept of "event TV" is mostly gone, especially among all-important viewers ages 18 to 34. "This is the way they watch TV — in fact, it's possible to watch TV without ever owning a set. If you miss something, you can get caught up immediately through the virtual water cooler."
Related article:
-- TV shows losing mass appeal - With so many TV series offered on so many different channels, people are now divided by too many choices and can't possibly see them all, creating a "swath of small viewing communities, clinging to the programs they enjoy".
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