I don't despute that kids need limited TV for a whole lot of other reasons.

But there is something abou this study that makes me go, "huh"?. If nothing else, more indepth studies would be in order. My issue is that TV and any other background sources of noise and such is distracting. No argument on that. Even I get distracted when I need to fully concentrate, but whereas I'm just going about my daily life, the TV in the background doesn't bother me. But if I were to make important phone calls and do anything that requires 200% of my faculties, even I get distracted and end up having short attention span - especially if I like what's on. So it's not surprising that it has the same effect on kids. Now, if they're concentration/attention span is much less when doing things without the TV on (as a result of watching too much TV), now THAT would definitely be NEGATIVE! Yikes.

 I am a big believer in turning off the TV. However, it seems to be the only relaxing recourse of my spouse. My dad had the TV removed from our home when I was about 6 because he thought we both watched it too much, and seeing how my stepdaughters behave, I believe I benefitted from its absence.