World Television Day

Television has been one of the main sources of entertainment since its invention. It is important to note that not just entertainment but television is also a significant tool for educating and informing people. World Television Day is celebrated on 21 November across the world every year, to emphasise the importance of television beyond electronic tools. The purpose of observing the day is not the celebration of tools, but the philosophy of television. In this article you will learn about the history and significance of the day and some facts about the television.

As UPSC surprises aspirants with questions linked with what usually is assumed to be trivia; it is advisable that one must scroll through the facts about World Television Day to get the basic information. The topic, if at all asked in the UPSC Prelims, will form the part of the current affairs.

Facts about World Television Day for UPSC Exam

Read the below-mentioned facts about World Television Day; and aid your IAS Exam preparation along with other competitive exams’ preparation.

The topic can be asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims. Visit the attached link to attempt practice quizzes on current affairs.

To read more about the other Important International and National days click on the link. Such days and events become very important for UPSC Prelims.

About World Television Day

• Television has played a vital source of entertainment since its invention. In the 20th century, when it was first launched, it helped unite India, as many people would gather in front of a single screen to watch iconic shows such as Hum Log, Buniyaad, Ramayan, and Mahabharat, among others.
• Therefore, the day was established by the UN to highlight the importance of television beyond an electronic tool and as a source of education, having the power to mould people’s opinions.
• The day is observed with no specific themes lined up every year. Different topics are discussed and resolved over the years. Some popular discussion subjects include using television as an exclusive global platform, encouraging means of cultural co-existence and brotherhood, bridging people from diverse cultures and the role of television in social, economic, political and geographical functionary of a nation’s well-being.

Background of World Television Day

• 21 November was proclaimed as World Television Day by the United Nations in December 1996. This was done to commemorate the date on which the first World Television Forum was held in 1996.
• Later the United Nations adopted a resolution to recognise the increasing impact of the audio-visual media on decision-making of people and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues.
• Hence, television was acknowledged as a major tool to spread information, channel and influence public opinion and represents communication and globalisation in the contemporary world.

Read about Reports of International Organisations in the linked article.

Significance of World Television Day

• The United Nations (UN) popularised the idea that television represents a symbol of globalisation and communication in the contemporary world.
• Television has taken a centre stage at homes for family bonding and entertainment and hence brought people closer together.
• Television is the major source of information and education, it contributes in building decision making as it brings the attention of the people to the conflicts of the world.
• This day renews the role of governments, organisations, and individuals to support the development of television media in providing unbiased information about important issues and events that affect society.

About Television and its Invention

• Television is defined as a broadcast medium where images are converted to electrical signals, transmitted over a selective medium and then displayed on a suitable external screen.
• It was invented by a Scottish engineer, John Logie Baird, in 1924.
• It was first introduced in India in 1959 in New Delhi, with the support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
• Till the Economic Reforms of 1991 government-owned-Doordarshan remained the only national channel. Private and foreign broadcasters were allowed to engage in limited operations after 1991.

Note: As UPSC 2022 approaches, use BYJU’S free Daily Video Analysis of The Hindu Newspaper to augment your preparation.

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