World Television Day
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Japan, South Korea, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia
About
World Television Day, observed on November 21, celebrates television’s enduring role in informing, educating, and connecting people around the world. From breaking news and documentaries to entertainment and cultural programming, television has helped audiences discover new perspectives and share experiences across borders.
The observance also invites us to reflect on how television has evolved alongside society and technology. It is a time to appreciate thoughtful, engaging programming while recognizing the importance of responsible storytelling, media literacy, and access to reliable information. Whether enjoyed with family, friends, or as part of a wider community, World Television Day highlights the lasting influence of this familiar medium.
History
World Television Day is observed annually on November 21. Its origins lie in the growing recognition that television had become one of the most influential forms of mass communication in the twentieth century. By the 1990s, television was not only a source of news and entertainment but also a major force in shaping public debate, education, culture, and international understanding.
The United Nations established the observance after the first World Television Forum, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York on November 21–22, 1996. The forum brought together media professionals, government representatives, and organizations to discuss television’s expanding role in a rapidly changing communications environment. Later in 1996, the UN General Assembly designated November 21 as World Television Day, emphasizing the medium’s impact on decision-making and its potential to promote awareness of important social, economic, and political issues.
Over time, the meaning of the day has evolved alongside television technology. The era of a few national broadcast channels gave way to cable and satellite services, followed by digital broadcasting, internet television, and on-demand streaming. Although audiences now consume video across many platforms and devices, television remains closely associated with shared public experiences, particularly during major news events, elections, sporting competitions, and cultural occasions.
World Television Day also provides an opportunity to consider both the benefits and responsibilities of television. Well-produced programming can broaden access to information, support learning, preserve cultural expression, and connect audiences across borders. At the same time, concerns about misinformation, stereotyping, unequal access, and media concentration have made responsible journalism and diverse representation increasingly important. Observed on November 21, the day recognizes television’s continuing cultural influence while encouraging thoughtful reflection on how visual media inform and shape society.