A key finding of the study was that a majority of teens (51 per cent) find out about new TV shows from TV ads and promos. Buzz is also a high source of information, specifically conversations with friends or boy/girlfriends (33 per cent), and other kids in school (28 per cent). Video sharing websites (10 per cent) and blogs (7 per cent) rank considerably lower as sources of information.

"For all of the hype surrounding blogs and video sharing sites, it's important for networks and marketers to understand that a majority of teenagers still get information about new programming from TV ads and promos," said OTX Media and Entertainment Insights President Bruce Friend. "With the new TV season upon us and networks stepping up their marketing efforts, this is exactly the type of intelligence Teen Topix was designed to provide to the industry on a timely basis."

The survey asked teens about their awareness and intent-to-view for new fall shows, and also asked them to select a "first choice" from the shows they were interested in watching. CW's Gossip Girl took the first choice slot, followed by ABC's Pushing Daises.

When asked how they plan to watch their "first choice" show, 70 per cent of teens said they would watch it on its scheduled day and time, 21 per cent plan to DVR or record it, and 10 per cent are not sure how they will watch. Only 7 per cent plan to download it or stream it for free, and a mere 3 per cent are willing to pay to download their first choice show for the new fall season.

In addition to program and network specific findings, the study looked at how teenagers watch TV and their simultaneous media usage. Almost all teens are engaging in other activities while watching TV. Surfing the Internet (57 per cent), emailing or text messaging (47 per cent) and talking on the phone or with others in the room (43 per cent), were the top activities teens are likely to do while watching TV.