Television: Educates, Informs, Entertains, Influences

World Television Day is celebrated on Nov 21 to give recognition to the increasing impact television has had on decision-making. It brings the world’s attention  to various conflicts and threats to peace and security and covers other major issues, including economic and social. 

In December 1996 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 21st of November World Television Day, the same year the first World Television Forum was held.  World Television Day is not meant to celebrate by watching a television programme but rather to comprehend the values it communicates.

St. Pope John Paul II in his 28^th World Communications Day message on the theme ‘Television and family: guidelines for good viewing’ said, “ The television is a primary source of news, information and entertainment for countless families, shaping their attitudes and opinions, their values and patterns of behavior. Television can enrich family life. It can draw family members closer together and foster their solidarity with other families and with the community at large. It can increase not only their general knowledge but also their religious knowledge, making it possible for them to hear God's word, to strengthen their religious identity, and to nurture their moral and spiritual life”.

Speaking of the moral responsibility the television personnel have towards their viewers he said,  “Those who work in television should be committed to the family as society's basic community of life, love and solidarity”.

The celebration of this day highlights how television has made a positive impact on our planet as a whole. The unique medium has helped shape a whole century in educating, informing and reforming opinions. 

For the UN the television as a communication media, plays an important role in presenting major issues faced by humankind.  Television not only provides us with vital information about our world, but it also helps to strengthen our democracies by getting this information directly into our homes. It is estimated that approximately 90% of homes around the world have televisions though now the number is declining since many prefer the internet.