tv What's the average age of the network TV watcher?

[V-Tech]

It doesn't look like younger people are tuning into network TV much anymore -- less and less each year.

According to the just-released statistics for the 2012-2013 television season, viewership for the major broadcast networks is skewing older and older. In fact, for the five broadcast networks -- CBS, ABC, FOX, NBC, and the CW, the average viewer was 49.44 years old -- up from last year's median age of 48.1.

Here's the breakdown by network:

1. CBS: 56.2 (Up from 55.6 in 2011-2012)

2. ABC: 53.2 (Up from 52.3 in 2011-2012)

3. NBC: 49.5 (Up from 49.3 in 2011-2012)

4. FOX: 46.6 (Up from 46.2 in 2011-2012)

5. CW: 41.7 (Up from 37.1 in 2011-2012)

This rising age seems to indicate that younger viewers are no longer watching the big networks. This might mean that they've traded the bigger channels in for cable fare -- or that they've taken to watching television through "alt methods," as Sons of Anarchy showrunner Kurt Sutter tweeted.

The networks are aware of the evacuating youth viewership, and appear to be making a play for their return (FOX has Andy Samberg's Brooklyn Nine-Nine; ABC has the Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series). But is it too late? Possibly -- with edgier programs on cable and the ability to watch television with greater convenience online, it doesn't seem to be like younger audiences feel obligated to stick with the networks.

http://www.tvrage.com/news/6768/what-s-the-average-age-of-the-network-tv-watcher