By Lucy Waldron
The current climate of technology implies the notion of adapting or being left behind.
The media consumption landscape is rapidly evolving, with streaming services and online media dominating the scene. However, traditional television still holds significant appeal for a considerable audience.
Recent research from Ofcom indicates a stark decline in the popularity of programs attracting mass audiences, with news programs seeing a 72 percent decrease in viewership from 2014 to 2022.
Despite this trend, the Social Research Centre’s 2021 Media Content Consumption Survey revealed that older demographics are more inclined to access news through television, audio sources, and newspapers compared to younger generations.
This information becomes particularly relevant in the context of Warwick, where the demographic skews towards an older population, according to the ABS 2021 Census, with the highest percentage falling within the mid-50s to early 80s age range.
For many local residents, television remains a vital source of news and entertainment.
However, the absence of televisions in Warwick Hospital has raised concerns among residents. When the hospital’s TVs were not replaced following a lightning strike, it left many patients and visitors without access to this traditional medium.
Glenise Latham, a resident who has been visiting her friend, noticed the lack of TV when she wanted to put on the news for him to stay informed but soon learned the hospital hasn’t had TVs for seven years.
“For the patients who have long stays, it’s pretty bad to not have any news or entertainment,” Glenise said.
“My friend is older, so he doesn’t have his own device all he has are the people who come to visit him.
“At least watching the TV helps the time pass and takes your mind off all the sickness around you.”
While a lack of TVs in patient rooms may be a trend observed in several public hospitals in cities, residents question whether Warwick Hospital should follow suit.
A spokesperson of Darling Downs Health addressed these concerns, emphasising their commitment to providing high-quality care.
“As part of this commitment, we’re currently upgrading a range of electrical services at Warwick Hospital which will improve patient communications with staff, as well as entertainment options,” the spokesperson said.
“Any visitor or patient at Warwick Hospital can make use of the free WiFi to connect their own devices to access free-to-air and subscription streaming services, digital radio and stay in contact with friends and family online.”
While this initiative may align with the digital age, some local residents remain sceptical about whether streaming services can fully replace the comfort and familiarity of traditional television, especially in rural communities like Warwick.
