Why is World Television Day Celebrated on November 21? Theme, History, and 10 Facts About Television

World Television Day is celebrated every year on November 21 to recognize the increasing impact of television on decision-making and its potential role in shaping global conversations. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996 through resolution 51/205.

World Television Day: History

The invention of television revolutionized the way we communicate and consume information. From its humble beginnings in the early 20th century, television has evolved into a ubiquitous presence in homes worldwide. In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the growing influence of television on decision-making and its potential to inform and educate the public. It declared November 21st as World Television Day to commemorate the anniversary of the first World Television Forum, held in 1996.

10 Interesting Facts About Television That You May Not Know

1. The first mechanical television was invented by German engineer Paul Nipkow in 1884.
2. The first electronic television was invented by Vladimir Zworykin in 1929.
3. The first commercial color television broadcast was aired in the United States in 1951.
4. The first remote control was invented in 1950 by Eugene Polley.
5. The first television show to be broadcast in color was the “Our Miss Brooks” sitcom in 1952.
6. The first television news program was “Camel News Caravan,” which aired in 1948.
7. The first television soap opera was “Today is Ours,” which aired in 1946.
8. The first television miniseries was “Little Women,” which aired in 1970.
9. The first television reality show was “Candid Camera,” which aired in 1948.
10. The first television music video was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles, which aired on MTV in 1981.

World Television Day: Significance

World Television Day serves as a reminder of the importance of television in our daily lives. It highlights the power of television to connect people across borders, cultures, and languages, fostering understanding and promoting global dialogue. Television remains a powerful tool for informing the public about critical issues, raising awareness about social challenges, and promoting positive change.

Celebrating World Television Day

World Television Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of television to society. It is also a time to reflect on the evolving nature of television and its role in the digital age. Organizations and individuals around the world mark this day by organizing events, screenings, and discussions to promote the responsible and effective use of television.

World Television Day Themes

Over the years, World Television Day has focused on various themes that reflect the changing landscape of television and its impact on society. Recent themes have included:

2023: The theme for the 2023 edition is Accessibility.

2022: Promoting Inclusive Societies for Peace and Sustainable Development

2021: Informing, Empowering, and Connecting the World through Television

2020: Celebrating International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development

World Television Day remains a vital platform for recognizing the enduring power of television and its potential to inform, educate, and connect people across the globe.