USA: when television becomes a luxury in the time of recession

[MediaPost] Is it the recession talking when Pew reports that 52% of Americans think of their TV as a necessity, a figure that's down 12 percentage points from 2006? Probably. But take into account that that is the smallest share to call a TV a necessity since the question was first asked 35 years ago. Yes, you read right: the lowest ever in the last 35 year. Granted, the survey was executed during April 2-8, not a stellar business week in U.S. history. But that is no reason to be complacent about double-digit losses unless there is some guarantee of double-digit recovery and subsequent growth.

see also Luxury or Necessity? The Public Makes a U-Turn
Pew Report Luxury or Necessity?