Why have some households abandoned the TV?

Analysis of the 9% of households without a TV set reveals that 58% of decisions are based on contingent factors.

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

91%→

Households using a TV set for video viewing (2024)

34%→

Non-TV households preferring other devices for video

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Abstract

This report examines the 9% of households that do not use a TV set for video viewing, a figure that has remained identical between 2023 and 2024. While the TV remains the dominant device for video services, the research explores whether abandonment is a permanent shift or a transitory state. Findings indicate that for the majority of these households, the lack of a TV is due to contingent factors such as space, time, or financial constraints rather than a rejection of the medium itself.

Key Takeaways

TV set penetration remains dominant and stable at 91% of households in 2024, matching 2023 levels.
The 9% of households without a TV are primarily using smartphones, PCs, and tablets as their primary video devices.
Financial constraints and lack of space account for 36% of the reasons why households do not own a TV set.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, TV set penetration has remained remarkably stable at 91% of households between 2023 and 2024. The 9% of households currently without a TV does not represent a growing trend of abandonment, but rather a consistent minority segment.

Content is rarely the deterrent, as only 8% of non-TV households cite a dislike for available services as their primary reason for not owning a set. Instead, 36% of these households are restricted by financial constraints or a lack of physical space.

For the majority, the absence of a TV is a temporary state, with 38% of the non-TV segment having been without a set for less than 12 months. A very small 'hard core' group of just 2.25% of total households has sustained a TV-free lifestyle for five years or more.

Consumption has shifted to personal hardware, with 34% of non-TV households preferring smartphones, PCs, and tablets for video services. Additionally, 22% of this group cite a lack of time as the main reason they have not invested in a dedicated TV set.

Why have some households abandoned the TV?

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

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