World Television Day 2023: Reflecting on the Global Impact of Television Beyond Entertainment

Written by Sanjay Kumar

World Television Day, on November 21, honors television’s impact beyond entertainment, shaping opinions globally.
Established by the United Nations in 1996, it marks the recognition of television’s rising significance in world affairs.
Acknowledged by the UN, World Television Day celebrates TV as a symbol for communication and globalisation.

A Historical Overview

On November 21, 1996, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially designated November 21 as World Television Day. This decision came after the inaugural World Television Forum, where leading media figures gathered to discuss the burgeoning global significance of television. This annual observance aims to emphasize the profound role television plays in shaping public opinion, influencing world politics, and fostering global connectivity.

Television’s Evolution – From Invention to Global Celebration

Television, a transformative invention credited to Scottish engineer John Logie Baird in 1924, has grown into the single largest source of video consumption worldwide, according to the United Nations. Introduced in India on September 15, 1959, with the support of UNESCO, television initially aired programs twice a week, laying the foundation for a medium that would become integral to communication and globalisation.

The UN underscores that World Television Day is more than a celebration of a technological tool; it symbolizes a philosophy. Television is recognized as a powerful symbol for communication and globalisation in the contemporary world. This day serves as a reminder of the increasing impact television has on decision-making, bringing attention to conflicts, threats to peace and security, and major economic and social issues.

Global Observance and Awareness

World Television Day is marked by meet-ups at local and global levels, fostering awareness about the crucial role television plays in communication and globalisation. This global observance is a platform for writers, journalists, bloggers, and media enthusiasts to unite in promoting the significance of television. The day also highlights the commitment of governments, news organizations, and individuals to deliver unbiased information, especially in an era where the veracity of content on social media is often questioned.

As we commemorate World Television Day on November 21, let us reflect on the enduring impact of television as more than just a form of entertainment. It is a dynamic force that influences opinions, connects societies, and contributes to the global exchange of ideas—a philosophy worth celebrating and upholding.

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World Television Day 2023: Reflecting on the Global Impact of Television Beyond Entertainment