The Electronic Window

The British are avid watchers of television. Many people sit in front of the electronic window for as long as five hours every evening.

Then, when the programmes come to an end, half the population switches off and goes to bed. The electricity companies have to make special arguments to cope with the sudden increase in demand as they all switch on their bedroom lights together.

There are several channels. And there is a choice between news programmes, films, variety programmes, dramatizations of classic novels, pop-music, wild life documentaries, and quiz shows.

But what the British like best is a 'soap-opera' - a never - ending serial about the life of ordinary things. No murders...no car chases...no bitter court-room battles; just everyday people faced with the hopes and problems of everyday life.