Study Shows Americans Are Working More and Watching More

Where do you head after a long and exhausting day at work? If you’re like most Americans, one of the first places you go after you get home is the living room sofa to spend some quality time with the television.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respondents were asked to report how they spent their time over a 24-hour period. The study shows that while work and sleep still dominate the majority of the day for most Americans, at 465 and 528 minutes, respectively, television is still taking up a great deal of time at 169 minutes.

What’s more, the amount of time spent watching television dwarfed the amount spent on other types of leisurely activities like gaming, engaging in physical activity, socializing, reading and relaxing.

For cable operators, this should come as great news. While the study didn’t discern the types of television that Americans are watching—meaning traditional cable versus over-the-top video— the fact remains that Americans still have faith in the tube. They are spending time in front of the television, and making monthly payments for entertainment expenses.

Indeed, the million dollar question remains for cable operators: What’s the best way to keep consumers from cutting their cords and ditching cable? And further, is it better to simply embrace cord cutting and offer more over-the-top services? These are the types of issues that operators are struggling with today, and will continue to struggle with over the next few years.

For now, take heart in the fact that television remains a key part of American culture.