THE NEW TV DIET FOR 2002

Now that the festivities are over, most of our attentions turn to shedding some of those Christmas excesses for a healthier body and mind.

But a new survey from Optus and AC Nielsen has revealed that your mind may be healthier than you think - and all thanks to TV!

The survey of TV viewing by Optus Television examined the consumption of different TV programming by Australian households and its effect on a balanced lifestyle.

The Optus Television survey concluded that, like food, a balanced diet of different TV programming types helped viewers achieve a well-rounded lifestyle by informing, relaxing and entertaining.

Kathy Hatzis, Optus CMM marketing manager said: "A balanced television diet is about quality choices and breadth of programming - and it is a key component of a healthy lifestyle.

"As the survey reveals, for Australian audiences this means television that reflects our diverse lifestyles, while also satisfying our need to learn, be kept up to date and entertained," Ms Hatzis said.

According to the poll TV is the most relied on medium for daily news and information, followed by newspapers, radio and the internet.

Documentaries trigger compulsive-viewing tendencies as close to 40% of Australians admit to cravings for more.

Australians find the TV set is the recipe to tune out from a long day and tune into a more relaxed mode, with their favourite programmes providing some escapism.

Additionally, the poll discovered television is a central focus for the family with nearly half of Australian families coming together to watch a favourite movie.

The Optus Television poll also revealed watching television while cleaning up and cooking is the norm for women - while men prefer to do it lying in bed!

Families beware, according to the survey Australian mums will try to take double helpings of the remote control, as six out of ten owned up to hogging it without allowing anyone else a turn.

For more information:
Melissa Favero
Optus Public Affairs
Phone: 02 9342 5030