Opinions: Could you live without a TV set?

DEREK JAMESON, radio presenter: Living without Coronation Street would be like being cast into perpetual darkness. I'm totally addicted to the box - it brings the entire world to my door - I'm obsessed with knowing what's happening.

MARY WHITEHOUSE: It would be a great relief. I could easily live without one, as long as I still had access to people, books and the beautiful countryside.

TOBY YOUNG, editor, the Modern Review: Certainly not. I wish I had time to watch more. I've never found reading more stimulating or rewarding - it's snobbery, reading is middle-class while television is seen as being for the lumpen proles.

REBECCA MARTIN, aged 7: I'd feel really silly if we didn't have one because all my friends have got one.

FIONA CONWAY, mother of two: I could survive without it. I try to encourage my children to paint and read instead.

RAPHAEL ROWE, prisoner (case going to appeal): I have no choice. When there are programmes about my case, I can't see the new evidence. I listen to my radio all the time, but it's just not the same without pictures.

HARRY HILL, comedian: No - from nature programmes I have learnt simple methods of tracking and killing animals for food, which one needs in this time of recession.

LOUISE HUNT, manageress, Radio Rentals: I survived without one for two years because I was fed up with being surrounded by them every day.

ALEC CRAMSIE, broker backup: Yes - I don't like to miss sport, but I could see that in the pub. I think it's incredibly rude to have the television on when people come round.

MEGAN CLIFFORD, optician's receptionist: No I couldn't. Uuuurgh] It would mean having to talk to my family.

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