Is television really a life necessity?

While many people blame the public school system for the failure of our nation's children, there is actually a federally funded program that will pay $40 towards the purchase of a converter box so that everyone can watch TV. Since when did TV become a life necessity? Since I do not watch TV, may I use this coupon towards my newspaper subscription? (I didn't think so.)

Rosemary Borzym

Glen Ellyn