"The ubiquity of television in contemporary society continues to provoke controversy. Some claim television to be a harmful influence, while others maintain it is an important source of information and entertainment. But how much do we really understand about the role and significance of television in the daily lives of ordinary people? This volume attempts to tackle this fundamental question. It comprises the first collection of papers from a major investigation into the British television audience, their television viewing habits and the impact of the current upheavals and changes affecting the broadcasting institutions." "Television and the Household considers the television experience from the point of view of distinct audiences. There are essays on teenagers, the elderly, the Scottish audience and viewers living in London, which all explore the phenomenon of television in the context of questions of daily routine, the life-cycle, community and identity. The viewing process itself is examined in relation to the ways in which individuals make sense not only of particular programmes but also of controversial issues such as representations of sex on TV."--Jacket.