Display device with a backlight, control method of controlling a backlight of a display device and program of same

An object of the present invention is to achieve additional control of power consumption in a display device by performing fine-point switch off control corresponding to a method of a user's touch operation. The display device includes a touch panel and a display unit with a backlight, an area detecting section for detecting a touch area when a touch operation is performed on the touch panel, and a control section for controlling a lighting time interval of the backlight according to the touch area. The method of the touch operation by the user is detected as a difference in touch area and, according to the touch area the lighting time interval of the backlight can be controlled. For example, the lighting time interval can be set short in the case of a light touch, and the lighting time interval can be set long in the case of a firm touch.