U.S. TV Viewing at All-Time High

NEW YORK: The average American spent 4 hours and 49 minutes per day in front of the television set in the 2008-2009 season, according to Nielsen, a 20-percent increase on a decade ago. 

The average household, meanwhile, watched eight hours and 21 minutes a day on average, also at an all-time high. Daily viewing during prime time remained flat compared to a year ago, but is still at its highest peak since 1991. Nielsen attributes the increase to more TV sets in the home, a greater number of channels and the use of DVRs.