Time Shifting

Dear Economist,

Having recently acquired a personal video recorder, I find myself using the time-shift facility when watching commercial TV.

I start watching a programme around 15 minutes after it has commenced broadcasting – by doing this, I am able to fast forward through the adverts. Am I breaking my ”contract” with the broadcaster by not watching its adverts, and do I miss out on some products that might be of value to me?

Paul, Dorset

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