World Television Day 2020: Date, history, and significance

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• World Television Day is celebrated to highlight the impact of television in our lives as it is not just the tool, but rather the philosophy. Television is a symbol of communication and globalization in the contemporary world.

• Recognizing the increasing impact television has on decision-making by bringing world attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues, including economic and social issues, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day in December 1996.

• On 21 and 22 November 1996, the first World Television Forum was held by the United Nations to discuss the increasing importance of television in today’s changing world and its ability to enhance their mutual cooperation.

Visual media and its impacts

• Television was invented in 1924 by John Logie Baird. It gave people an opportunity to entertain themselves by means of consuming information. The introduction of television made people feel as a part of the same universe.

• Television also became a means of socializing as people gathered before the screen to watch their favourite shows in a single household.

History of India television

• Television programming has created a huge impact on Indian culture ever since its introduction in 1959. Television was launched in India with the assistance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation.

• During the initial thirty years, government-owned Doordarshan stayed the only national channel.

• When the small screen programming began in 1980, the shows like Ramayan and Mahabharat became hugely popular among people. Other programmes included: Hum Log (1984-85), Buniyaad (1986-87), Wagle Ki Duniya (1988) and Yeh jo Hai Zindagi (1984).