A backlight assembly comprises a plurality of linear light sources arranged in parallel behind a display screen. The plurality of linear light sources is divided into a first group and a second group. The linear light sources belonging to the first group are oriented in a first direction. The linear light sources belonging to the second group are oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The backlight assembly comprises a first inverter substrate for driving the linear light sources belonging to the first group, and a second inverter substrate for driving the linear light sources belonging to the second group. The first and second substrates are arranged on one side of the linear light sources and the opposite side thereof, respectively.