More than half of Britons believe watching television has educated them more than any other platform in recent years

• New research from Virgin Media O2 reveals the power of television to educate Britons on social issues and world developments 

• The survey of 2,000 adults reveals 45 per cent felt educated on causes such as Black Lives Matter and the Me Too movement by watching TV – as it was served to them rather than having to seek further insight through online searches 

• The nominees for Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment for Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards represent the most talked about TV moments of 2021 including An Audience with Adele, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, It’s A Sin, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Squid Game and Strictly Come Dancing 

• It’s the last chance for fans to vote for their favourite Must-See Moment ahead of voting closes at 5pm 19th April. Fans can vote here: virginmedia.com/Bafta   

Ahead of voting closing for Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment at the 2022 British Academy Television Awards on Sunday 8^th May, a new study looking at the nation’s TV viewing habits reveals the power of TV in educating Brits on important causes. The research reveals more than half (51%) admit watching TV has educated them more than any other platform in recent years. 

The survey of 2,000 adults found 45 per cent felt educated on causes such as Black Lives Matter and the Me Too movement by watching TV – as it was served to them rather than having to seek further insight through online searches. The climate emergency, refugee crises and the pandemic were other major topics the medium has served to educate on in recent years.

It also emerged over a quarter (26%) rely more now on television than ever before to find out about social issues and important world developments. 

Interestingly, over 7 in 10 (71%) believe they’ve learnt more about international cultures than they would have elsewhere. In recent years respondents also found watching TV has helped educate them on topics including disability (23%), disease (28%), the education system (17%) and gender identity (13%), all topics which are showcased in this year’s Virgin Media Must-See Moment nominations. The nominations include An Audience with Adele, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, It’s A Sin, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Squid Game and Strictly Come Dancing.

More than two thirds of Brits (67%) like that TV keeps them informed without having to find further additional information themselves. And 59% like the fact their favourite shows weave in important issues so they consume them without too much effort.

4 in 10 (43%) are more likely to watch drama and comedy shows on a regular basis over the news and documentaries (37%), showing the power of TV as an educator across a range of shows and

formats. The study also found 68% have let someone else know something important they’ve learned from watching the box.

Nearly two thirds (62%) think watching TV is a good way to spend quality time with their family or loved ones. It also sparks important conversations around societal issues according to 57%.

On average, four hours of TV is consumed each day, with Saturdays the most likely day to watch the most. A range of feelings were also experienced by respondents when watching TV, from amusement, nostalgia and satisfaction to sadness, frustration and anger.

While its main plus points were seen as being convenient and accessible, reaching people of all ages and being the quickest way to deliver important news.

David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “Television is the most powerful way to inform and educate us on what’s really important – that is at the heart of Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment. The research has really backed up the benefits that we so often take for granted. Whilst TV is all about relaxing and being captivated, there’s also time to learn more about everything from key societal issues to the health of our planet.”

“Whether watching TV to keep informed or entertained, the Virgin Media Must-See Moment nominees represent some of the biggest conversations of 2021 from heart-warming moments to raising awareness of hugely important issues, celebrating the diversity of TV. As the only award at the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards, which is voted for by the public, we can’t wait to see who will be crowned the winner.”

The survey, commissioned by Virgin Media O2, marks the last chance to vote by 5pm this Tuesday 19th April for the Must-See Moment Award at the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards. Members of the public can vote for their favourite Must-See Moment online at virginmedia.com/Bafta and will automatically enter into a prize draw to win tickets to attend the 2022 Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards. Virgin Media customers can also vote through their television, via their TiVo®, V6 or Virgin TV 360 box.

The winner will be announced during the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards on 8th May 2022 on BBC One. This year marks Richard Ayoade’s third consecutive year as host as the red carpet event returns to London’s Royal Festival Hall.

TOP 10 TOPICS TV HAS EDUCATED ADULTS ON IN RECENT YEARS

1. The global pandemic
2. Climate crisis
3. The UK and US elections
4. Refugee crisis
5. Ocean conservation
6. Cultures outside of the UK
7. Species endangerment
8. Disease
9. Black Lives Matter
10. Disability

The six nominees for Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment 2022 are:

• ITV, An Audience With Adele – Adele’s surprised by the teacher who changed her life – LINK

• ITV, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! – Ant and Dec dig at Downing Street’s lockdown parties – LINK

• Channel 4, It’s A Sin –– Colin’s devastating AIDS diagnosis – LINK 

• BBC Three, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK – ‘UK Hun?’ – Bimini’s verse – LINK

• Netflix, Squid Game – Red Light, Green Light game – LINK 

• BBC One, Strictly Come Dancing – Rose and Giovanni’s silent dance to ‘Symphony’ – LINK