If she can focus that much energy on the television, she isn’t working hard enough on the rower. I do not understand why people feel they need the visual distraction of a TV or magazine when they’re exercising. Focus on your fricking workout for 45 minutes and you might actually start seeing some results...
For some people (like me), exercise is so boring that without some kind of distraction, it becomes nearly impossible to stick with it for the duration. Except for PT tests where they're not allowed, I always wear headphones. If I'm doing elliptical or stationary bike, then I like to watch TV.