World Television Day [21st November]

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Nov 21, 2023, 10:31

World Television Day is celebrated each year on 21st November to mark the date of the first World Television Forum, conducted in 1996. This day also highlights the value of televisions as a medium that is more than just an electronic gadget. World Television Day celebrates the fact that TV has become one of the most prominent means of entertainment.

World Television Day was founded by the United Nations on 17th December 1996, after the first World Television Forum was successfully held. Learn more about the history and significance of this day, and how this day is celebrated around the world here.

World Television Day 2023

World Television Day is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of televisions as mediums of entertainment and connecting us to the world. Of course, the usage of television has evolved ever since the internet was founded, but the relevance of television still exists. World Television Day is a day to remember the history of television and commemorate the day of the first World Television Forum.

World TV day is observed on a global scale and is officially recognized by the United Nations. Here, we have shared some more information about this day:

Event

World Television Day

Celebrated

21st November (every year)

Established

December 1996

Established By

United Nations

Aim

To commemorate the day of the first World Television Forum, which was held in 1996.

World Television Day Theme 2022

Although this day is celebrated on a global level, there is no official theme set for the day. World Television Day theme is the impact and importance of television as a medium for communication, information, and entertainment.

Television is among the items that connect the entire family together. A great way to celebrate World Television Day would be to sit down with your near and dear ones to binge-watch your favourite movie.

World TV Day History

The United Nations hosted the very first World Television Day Forum on 21st and 22nd November 1996. During this forum, key media professionals gathered under the UN's supervision to examine the growing importance of television in the changing environment and to evaluate how they may improve their joint effort. To commemorate this event, the United Nations announced 21st November to be celebrated as World Television Day.

TVs have served as a valuable tool for educating and informing individuals. Many people in India gathered in front of a single television or screen in the late 1980s to witness classic series such as Buniyaad, Ramayan, Hum Log, and Mahabharat, among many others. World Television Day is the right opportunity to reminisce about the valuable time spent in front of the TV with your near and dear ones.

Significance of World TV Day

  • The General Assembly of the United Nations declared 21st November as International Television Day in appreciation of television's growing influence on decision-making.
  • It also draws worldwide attention to disputes and risks to peace and security and its possible role in strengthening the spotlight on other key problems, such as economic and social matters.
  • World Television Day isn't so much about technology as it is about the idea it symbolises. In today's society, television serves as a symbol of connectivity and globalisation.
  • The growing influence of television on the process of decision-making is acknowledged. Television was identified as a vital medium for enlightening, guiding, and influencing popular sentiment.
  • Its significance in world politics, as well as its effect and presence, is also highlighted.

Facts About World Television Day

People across the globe watch television to be entertained and informed. Even in today’s age, when smartphones are accessible and the internet can be the source of everything, people still like to rely on the information that TV offers, be it politics, sports, events, or movies. World TV Day is the right occasion to appreciate this invention. Here are some facts about this day:

  • There are approximately 610 million television viewers worldwide. There are approximately 610 million television viewers worldwide.
  • William Taynton, an associate to the inventor John Logie Baird, was the very first real face to be televised nationally. He was paid about two shillings and sixpence each week for sitting in front of the TV transceiver.
  • The Late Late Show, which continues to air since 1962, and The Tonight Show, which has been on the air since 1954, are the globe's longest-running talk shows.
  • On July 1, in the year 1941, the very first television advertisement was streamed live in New York. This advertisement lasted for about 20 seconds in total. During the period, TV commercials charged $9.
  • Iceland had no television broadcasting company until 1987.
  • Television was first recognised as a word in English in 1907, and the acronym TV was coined in 1948.

World Television Day Activities

World TV Day is an annual occasion observed throughout the world. This day was recognized by the United Nations in 1996. Here are some activities that you can engage in on this day:

  • To celebrate World Television Day, you can binge-watch TV shows or movies with your family or friends.
  • You can also learn about the history of TV Day, and television, and share it with others.
  • You can participate in online campaigns and offline events.

Important Current Affairs Topics

World Lion DayWorld Liver Day
World Malaria DayWorld Mangrove Day
Antyodaya Anna YojanaAsia Cup Winners List
Australian Open Winners ListAvalokana Software
Anti Tobacco DayInternational Day for Violence Against Women

FAQs on World Television Day

Q1. When do we celebrate World Television Day?

World Television Day is celebrated on 21st November each year. This day serves as a reminder of the relevance of visual media in impacting public perceptions and global politics. World TV day also commemorates the first World Television Forum held in 1996.

Q2. Why do we celebrate World Television Day?

We celebrate World Television Day to recognise television as a key medium for educating, directing, and influencing public opinion. The General Assembly of the United Nations declared 21st November 21 as World Television Day in 1996.

Q3. When was World Television Day first celebrated?

World Television Day was first celebrated on 21st November 1996, and it has been commemorated every year since then. This day is observed to mark the anniversary of the World Television Forum, which was held for the first time on the same date in 1996.

Q4. Why did the United Nations host the World Television Day Forum?

The United Nations hosted the very first World Television Day Forum in order for key media professionals to gather under the UN's supervision to examine the growing importance of Television in the changing environment and to evaluate how they may improve their joint effort.