[Grammar] On THE TV - incorrect?

[englishhobby]

Hello,
below is an extract from a text which I used to teach my students to talk about sport. Why is "the" used in "on the TV" (I've always heard "on TV", without an article)? Is it a mistake, a misprint? Or, perhaps, it's the American usage?

Sports

Sport is very popular in Britain. In other words a lot of British people like the idea of sport: a lot even watch sport, especially on the TV. However, the number who actively take part in sport is probably quite small.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[bhaisahab]

Hello,
below is an extract from a text which I used to teach my students to talk about sport. Why is "the" used in "on the TV" (I've always heard "on TV", without an article)? Is it a mistake, a misprint? Or, perhaps, it's the American usage?

Sports

Sport is very popular in Britain. In other words a lot of British people like the idea of sport: a lot even watch sport, especially on the TV. However, the number who actively take part in sport is probably quite small.

Thanks in advance for your help.

It's fine with or without "the".

 

[billmcd]

Hello,
below is an extract from a text which I used to teach my students to talk about sport. Why is "the" used in "on the TV" (I've always heard "on TV", without an article)? Is it a mistake, a misprint? Or, perhaps, it's the American usage?

Sports

Sport is very popular in Britain. In other words a lot of British people like the idea of sport: a lot even watch sport, especially on the TV. However, the number who actively take part in sport is probably quite small.

Thanks in advance for your help.

"on TV" (no article) is more common in AmE. Also, in the context presented you would read/hear, "sports".