Can TV change your life? Some would disagree, but in a recent survey conducted by Ipsos MediaCT, TV, and specifically Channel 4 has been proven to broadcast the most inspiring programmes of all.

2,000 people were interviewed online in August 2010 and were asked a series of questions designed to capture TV's ability to inspire change in people's lives. Programme categories examined were Home, Health & Beauty, Factual Entertainment, Documentaries.

Results allow us to fully understand how programmes inspire change in more detail and that watching Channel 4's programmes prompts viewers to some form of action - be it a change in behaviour, a change in their shopping habits, or a visit to a website. 

A top line summary of the results leads us to understand that:

• More than a third of those who watched Jamie Does... tried something new or different after watching the programme, most often attempting to recreate the dishes featured in the programme or looking up recipes online

• After watching Relocation, Relocation, one respondent claimed he "Looked at an area to move to, looked online, then went for a weekend away to that part of the country (Loch Lomond)" (Male, 35-44)

• Almost a third of Supersize vs Superskinny viewers thought about changing something in their lives after watching, typically changing their diet and eating more healthily

• Another viewer said that after watching Heston's Feasts, "I can't cook, my mum's not that good, but we tried to have fun making some 'mad meals' for the family. Once was enough!" (Male, 18-24)

• 1 in 7 viewers tried something new or different after watching Gok's Fashion Fix, making changes to their wardrobe, customising clothes or trying new colours and styles

• A Come Dine With Me fan said "I took part in come dine with me style dinner parties with my friends and it is something that we are going to keep doing. I also tried new and different ways of cooking/preparing food and new foods that I have never tried before." (Female, 25-34)

• 1 in 5 viewers looked up further information after watching Time Team

• More than 4 in 5 viewers of Blitz Street selected at least one of the inspiring change statements, more than for any other programme

• Almost 1 in 5 viewers of Relocation, Relocation or A Place in the Sun said the programmes made them think about changing their lives

So if you've ever been in any doubt about the power of TV, now you have your proof. For more information on the project, please contact James.