By the numbers Mass media markets

18: Percentage of households that watch “American Idol,” today’s top-rated TV show

72: Percentage that watched “I Love Lucy” in 1953, that year’s top-rated show

23 hours, 15 minutes: Average time Americans tuned to local radio stations in 1993

19 hours, 15 minutes: Average time Americans tuned to local stations in 2005

52: Percentage of Americans who read daily newspapers today

81: Percentage who read daily papers 40 years ago

Source: Wired magazine

Invalid username/password.

Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.

Enter your email and password to access comments.

Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .

Invalid username/password.

Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

Sign In: