World Television Day: Celebrating the Global Impact of TV
World Television Day is an annual observance that recognizes the importance of television as a powerful medium for communication, education, and entertainment. Established by the United Nations, this day highlights the role of television in shaping public opinion, fostering cultural exchange, and addressing global issues.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: November 21
- Tagged as: Global observance
- What’s the hashtag?: #WorldTelevisionDay
- When was it founded?: 1996
- Who founded it?: United Nations General Assembly
History of World Television Day
The United Nations General Assembly established World Television Day on December 17, 1996, following the first World Television Forum. This forum brought together media leaders to discuss television’s growing influence on decision-making processes and its potential to address global challenges.
Timeline
- 1927: Philo Taylor Farnsworth invents the first electric television
- 1941: First television commercial airs in the United States
- 1950: First TV remote control introduced by Zenith Radio Corporation
- 1953: Color television broadcasting begins
- 1996: First World Television Forum held
- 1996: UN General Assembly declares November 21 as World Television Day
World Television Day Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | November 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November 21 | Sunday |
| 2028 | November 21 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | November 21 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | November 21 | Thursday |
Observed World Television Day
World Television Day is observed globally through various events and activities. Media organizations, broadcasters, and educational institutions often organize discussions, workshops, and screenings to highlight television’s role in society. Many countries use this day to reflect on the evolution of television technology and its impact on culture and communication.
The day serves as an opportunity to explore the future of television in the digital age, addressing challenges and opportunities presented by streaming services and online platforms. It also emphasizes the importance of quality programming and responsible broadcasting in an era of information overload.
Television professionals and enthusiasts alike use this day to celebrate the medium’s achievements and discuss its potential for positive change in areas such as education, social awareness, and global understanding.
Fun Facts About Television
- The abbreviation “TV” only came into use in the 1940s
- The first TV remote control was wired and called “Lazy Bone”
- Iceland didn’t have television broadcasting until 1987
- The first television advertisement cost between $4-9 (equivalent to $80-180 today)
- “Dead pixels” on TV screens can sometimes disappear on their own
Quiz
- In which year was World Television Day established?
- Who invented the first electric television?
- What was the name of the first TV remote control?
- When did color television broadcasting begin?
- Which country didn’t have television broadcasting until 1987?
(Answers: 1. 1996, 2. Philo Taylor Farnsworth, 3. Lazy Bone, 4. 1953, 5. Iceland)
FAQs
Q: Why is World Television Day celebrated?
A: It celebrates television’s role in communication, education, and cultural exchange, recognizing its impact on global issues and decision-making.
Q: How can one participate in World Television Day?
A: Participate by attending local events, engaging in discussions about television’s role, or organizing screenings of impactful TV programs.
Q: Is World Television Day still relevant in the age of streaming?
A: Yes, it remains relevant as it focuses on the broader impact of visual media, including evolving forms of television content delivery.
Q: What is the significance of November 21 for World Television Day?
A: November 21 marks the date of the first World Television Forum held in 1996.
Q: How has television influenced society?
A: Television has shaped public opinion, cultural norms, and global awareness, serving as a primary source of information and entertainment for decades.
Importance of World Television Day
World Television Day underscores the enduring significance of television as a medium that transcends mere entertainment. It highlights television’s role in shaping global narratives, fostering cultural understanding, and addressing critical social issues.
The day serves as a reminder of television’s power to educate and inform, bringing distant events and diverse perspectives into homes worldwide. It emphasizes the responsibility of broadcasters to provide accurate, unbiased information and quality programming that contributes positively to society.
Moreover, World Television Day encourages reflection on the evolution of television technology and content in the digital age, promoting discussions about the future of visual media and its potential to drive positive change in an increasingly interconnected world.
Related
- International Day of Broadcasting
- World Radio Day
- World Press Freedom Day
- Global Media and Information Literacy Week
- International Day for Universal Access to Information