Technology changing how, where, when of viewing habits

Feature Lifestyle story for The Commercial Appeal

Jan. 22, 2012

There were scones, crumpets, volunteers dressed as butlers and tea galore for a recent screening of the second season of “Downton Abbey” at the WKNO-TV studios in Cordova.

Outside, fans of the British drama about the lives of Edwardian aristocrats lined up 100 strong for a day-early peek at their favorite new show.

“We were pretty blown away with the popularity of ‘Downton Abbey’ last year based on the national buzz we were hearing, but also local calls we were getting from viewers,” said Teri Sullivan, promotions manager for WKNO, adding that they wanted to know when it would air again, how they could get a video and when Season 2 was coming.

Many television aficionados these days are choosing carefully, not just what they watch, but how, when and where they watch it. With so many options available, the necessity to commit to time in front of a TV set is as passé as walking across the room to turn the dial. Whether watching alone or with a group of fellow fanatics, more of us are watching on our own terms instead of those of programming directors … (read more)