UK TV viewers are the world’s most tech savvy
Television viewers in the UK are the most technologically advanced in the world, with Britons undertaking more online viewing than anyone else as well as being the most likely to use tablets to watch catch-up TV.
The findings are contained in Ofcom’s International Communications Market Report 2015 which found that 31 million people, 70 per cent of the UK adult population, will watch digital catch-up services such as BBC iPlayer or 4OD this festive period.
In addition 16 per cent of online adults in the UK were found to watch catch-up TV on a tablet, a greater proportion than in any other comparable developed economy with a whopping 81 per cent venturing online to consume TV and films.
The UK also found itself the seat of the greatest decline in traditional live TV viewing of any nation with a 4.9 per cent fall between 2013 and 2014. Broadcast TV is by no means a busted flush however, with more than nine in ten viewers, a total of 11.4m, tuning in to hear the bells live.
James Thickett, Ofcom director of research, said: "UK viewers won't be tied to the TV schedule this Christmas. More than anywhere else, we're watching TV and films at a time that suits us, on a range of devices, in and out of the home. So this year, more people can fit their festive TV viewing around opening presents and carving the turkey."
Ofcom’s report ranked the UK against 17 other comparable countries including the USA, Japan, Germany, Australia and France.