You don’t have to be a Baby Boomer to have cracked-up watching M*A*S*H, the medical drama/black comedy that follows a team of doctors and support staff stationed at the “4077^th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital” in Uikjeongbu, South Korea during the Korean War.

The series, which premiered in 1972, was almost killed off in its first season because it struggled to attract enough viewers.  

Then it gained traction.

The 1983 finale become the most-watched television episode in US TV history with 105.97 million viewers, only to be nuked by last year’s New Orleans Saints’ victory over Indianapolis in the Super Bowl with 106 million viewers.

So what does this prove? It proves that in our online world, TV can still generate wicked numbers.

According to an article on MediaPost quoting Deloitte’s “State of Media Democracy” survey, 71 percent of Americans still rate watching TV on any device among their favourite media activities.

What’s more, 86 percent of Americans stated that TV advertising still has the most impact on their buying decisions.

The survey also revealed that the internet, mobile and social media enhanced the overall television viewer experience, driving people to watch first-run programs and live events during their initial broadcast.

Another study found that the internet – especially social media, is fuelling TV content – look at the buzz created by Charlie Sheen’s recent implosion.

So which type of advertising has the most impact on US consumers’ buying decisions?

• Television: 83%
• Magazines: 50%
• Online: 47%
• Newspapers: 44%
• Radio: 32%
• Billboards/out of home advertising: 13%

Source: Deloitte Research, March 2011 (Trailing Millennials: Age 14-20, Leading Millennials: 21-26, Generation X: 27-43, Baby Boomers: 44-62, Matures: 63-75)

While TV advertising is not the new kid on the block, it continues to suck the big bucks from US advertisers, making it the richest media segment with over 39 percent of all ad spending.

Closer to home, TV viewing is up with audiences now spread over the multi-channel stations.

As of today, digital television penetration is now over 77 percent and growing, which means you can leverage your budget and get more bang (reach and frequency) for your TV buying buck.

Source: http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&...

Follow me on http://twitter.com/bayer12