Primetime Television Audiences Prove to be Less Loyal Than In The Past

More programs are gaining viewers through “on demand” type mediums

            Although it may be a mass generalization, its evidence is incontrovertible: The American individual has been, and remains focused on succeeding in his or her profession, whether it be in regards to income, fame, or happiness.  Often times, this requires oneself to work long hours, creating a conflict in maintaining a consistent schedule, moreover affecting one's ability to tune into a favorite television program.  As a result, many households have elected to view their programs via the Internet, programs such as Netflix and Hulu, as well as technologies such as Tevo, which give the consumer the ability to record a show and watch it later. 

           

There is a clear correlation between an increase in technology and a decrease in primetime viewing

            Since its premier in 2009, Modern Family has sky rocketed to the top, receiving an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in addition to becoming ABC’s primetime show. However, since 2009 many new technologies have become extremely more accessible to household viewers; the Xbox now allows for an instant connection to Netflix, a medium that instantly streams television shows.  It is no coincidence that the increasing convenience of television has simultaneously transpired with a decrease in primetime ratings.  
            An interesting statistic that cannot be overlooked is the steady rate of the SHARE of primetime programs.  The SHARE is the percent of those households using their television and are tuned in to a specific program, station or network at a specific time.  Although Modern Family’s ratings have fallen to 5.5, the programs SHARE has remained 15 - food for thought.

Those with basic cable continue to uphold primetime ratings

            Even though there are many technologies available for consumer access to next-level television viewing, basic cable remains the most acquired means of viewing.  As a result, vital information is aired to the public through basic cable: Presidential debates, breaking news, government codes, weather warnings.  Furthermore, these are the viewers who consistently tune in to programs aired on primetime television, simply because they have no other means of watching them.  In closing, those television viewers who access their programs via basic cable are the majority of viewers boosting ratings.