Why have some households abandoned the TV?

While 9% of households lack a TV set, 34% of this segment prefer alternative devices for video consumption.

David Kennedy · Venture Insights14 November 2024Period: 20243 min read

Last updated 6 May 2026

91%→

Households using a TV set for video viewing (2024)

34%→

Non-TV households preferring to use other devices

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Abstract

This report analyses the 9% of households that do not use a TV set for video viewing, based on the 2024 Consumer Media Survey. While TV penetration remains steady at 91%, the study explores whether abandonment is permanent or transitory. Findings indicate that 34% of non-TV households prefer other devices, while 58% cite contingent factors like lack of time, space, or financial constraints. Only a small 'hard core' segment has been without a TV for over five years.

Key Takeaways

TV set penetration remains dominant and stable at 91% of households in 2024, unchanged from 2023.
Of the 9% of households without a TV, 34% prefer using alternative devices like smartphones, PCs, and tablets.
Financial and logistical constraints drive 58% of TV abandonment, including lack of space (15%) and affordability (21%).

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, TV set penetration remains dominant and stable, holding at 91% of households in 2024, unchanged from the previous year. The segment of long-term 'refuseniks' who have lacked a TV for over five years represents a marginal 2.25% of the total population.

Abandonment is primarily driven by logistical and financial constraints rather than a rejection of content, with 58% of non-TV households citing factors like lack of space (15%) or affordability (21%). Only 34% of this minority group actively prefers using alternative devices like smartphones or PCs.

The data suggests most abandonment is transitory, as 38% of households without a TV have been without one for less than 12 months. Furthermore, only 8% of non-TV households cite a dislike for available services, indicating that the underlying content remains attractive to the vast majority.

Content relevance is not the primary issue, as only 8% of the non-TV segment expresses a dislike for available services. Instead, 22% of these households cite a lack of time as the primary reason for not maintaining a TV set.

Abstract

Key Takeaways

TV set penetration remains dominant and stable at 91% of households in 2024, unchanged from 2023.

Of the 9% of households without a TV, 34% prefer using alternative devices like smartphones, PCs, and tablets.

Financial and logistical constraints drive 58% of TV abandonment, including lack of space (15%) and affordability (21%).

Frequently Asked Questions

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