World Television Day is a global observance that celebrates television’s role as a major medium for communication, education, and cultural exchange. It recognizes television’s impact on shaping public opinion and raising awareness about social, economic, and peace-related issues worldwide.
Quick Facts
When is it: November 21 annually
Tagged as: Global observance
What’s the hashtag: #WorldTelevisionDay
When was it founded: December 17, 1996
Who founded it: United Nations General Assembly
History
The day commemorates the first World Television Forum held by the United Nations in 1996. The forum brought together leading media figures to discuss television’s growing significance in global communication and its influence on international decision-making processes. The UN established this day to recognize television’s role in presenting various issues affecting people worldwide.
Timeline
• 1927: Philo Taylor Farnsworth invents first electronic television
• 1941: First TV commercial airs during a baseball game
• 1950: First TV remote control invented
• 1996: First World Television Forum held
• 1996: UN declares November 21 as World Television Day
Future Dates
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November | 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | November | 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November | 21 | Sunday |
| 2028 | November | 21 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | November | 21 | Wednesday |
How It’s Observed
People worldwide celebrate by watching significant television moments, participating in discussions about television’s role in society, and exploring ways to improve broadcasting quality and accessibility.
Fun Facts About Television
• The term “television” combines Greek words “tele” (distance) and “vision” (sight)
• The first TV commercial cost only $9 for 20 seconds
• The average person spends 238 minutes watching TV daily
• Over 1.67 billion households worldwide have a television
• The moon landing in 1969 was watched by 652 million people
Quiz
- Who invented the first electronic television?
- In which year was World Television Day established?
- What was the first TV commercial about?
-(Answers: 1. Philo Taylor Farnsworth, 2. 1996, 3. Bulova watches)
FAQs
Why do we celebrate this day?
To recognize television’s role in communication, education, and cultural exchange.
What is the theme for 2024?
“Accessibility” – focusing on making television content inclusive.
How has television evolved?
From mechanical devices to modern smart TVs with streaming capabilities.
Related Observances
• International Broadcasting Day
• World Radio Day
• Global Media and Information Literacy Week
• World Communication Day
• Digital Learning Day