From an early age television plays a large part in our lives, first watching children’s programmes and then as we get older, sports, films and news programmes. Televisions are more affordable now than ever and people often have second and third televisions in bedrooms and kitchens. They are part of family life, with many people watching television while they eat and scheduling activities around favourite programmes.

On demand television
Twenty first century technology means that we can watch television programmes from all over the world. And with new developments in television on demand you can watch your favourite programmes when it suits you. You can even watch television via your mobile phone.

Watch as you walk
You may never have to miss Coronation Street if you have a television equipped mobile phone. You can catch everything from your favourite daytime television programme while you are at work, to the latest breaking news and sporting events.

‘When I’m out of the house it’s because I’m doing other things so don’t want to watch TV,’ Claire, 28, London.

‘It might be good to get latest news if something big happens,’ Chris, 25, Birmingham.

Daytime TV
Some of our favourite daytime programmes from our student days have now become so popular they’ve been given prime time slots in the evening. David Dickinson’s Bargain Hunt revolutionised television, achieving the highest viewing figures for BBC daytime television, with around two million viewers every day. Carrie, 24, from Halifax, will be pleased, ‘as a student I remember watching Bargain Hunt with David Dickinson - everyone in our house loved it.’

TV exports
UK TV programmes are broadcast worldwide making it easy for programme ideas to be bought by foreign networks. UK quiz shows like Who wants to be a Millionaire and The weakest link have gone global. Deal or no deal, devised by the Dutch production company behind Big Brother, is now one of the most popular daytime game shows in the UK, broadcasting six days a week, and regularly attracting audiences of about 4 million.

With all the new developments in technology and investment in new programme ideas, television looks set to play a large part in our lives for some time to come.  

Lucy
September 2006

It presents interesting and changing trend of TV analysis. - YR

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