In today’s hyper-connected world, where smartphones and streaming services dominate, one might ask: is there still room for television? On World Television Day, November 21, it’s worth taking a closer look at a medium that continues to shape our understanding of the world. Has television become obsolete, or has it quietly evolved into something far more profound a timeless platform for storytelling, awareness, and collective connection?
Despite whispers of its decline, television’s role remains undeniable. It’s not just a screen in a corner; it’s a gateway to moments that unite us. From Neil Armstrong’s first step on the moon to global broadcasts during humanitarian crises, television has chronicled humanity’s triumphs and tragedies like no other medium. As Marshall McLuhan once said, “The medium is the message,” and television’s message has always been about bridging gaps be it cultural, geographical, or emotional.
Why has television endured when so many other technologies have faded into the archives of history? Because it offers more than entertainment, it offers impact. A breaking news story can mobilize millions. A documentary can spark conversations that lead to societal change. These are not just programs; they are catalysts.
In 1996, the United Nations acknowledged this profound influence by declaring November 21 as World Television Day. This wasn’t about celebrating the device itself, but recognizing television as a platform that drives awareness and action. The UN described it as “a symbol for communication and globalization in the contemporary world.”
Consider the major issues of our time, climate change, war, social justice. While social media gives these topics immediacy, it is often television that offers depth. News segments, investigative reports, and human-interest stories give context and bring these realities into our living rooms.
Some argue that platforms like Netflix and YouTube have eclipsed traditional television. But have they? Streaming offers convenience and choice, yes, but it lacks the shared experience that television fosters. Think of global events like the World Cup, royal weddings, or humanitarian telethons. These moments create collective memories—an experience unique to television broadcasting.
Television doesn’t compete with streaming; it complements it. The two mediums now coexist, each playing to its strengths. While streaming is personal, television remains communal. It’s where families gather, where nations pause, and where the world watches together.
More than just a source of news or entertainment, television is a platform for advocacy. Organizations like the UN harness its reach to amplify voices from conflict zones, celebrate milestones in development, and document humanity’s resilience. A single televised appeal during a crisis can mobilize global aid faster than almost any other medium.
For example, a segment on a refugee camp doesn’t just report statistics; it tells the stories of individuals. It urges viewers to see beyond numbers—to feel, to empathize, and often, to act. Television transforms distant tragedies into shared human experiences.
So, is television dying? Far from it. Its form may be changing screens have become smaller, and content delivery is now more flexible but its essence remains the same. Television is about stories, connection, and awareness.
On this World Television Day, let us reflect not only on what television has achieved but also on what it can still do. Can it adapt to our changing world? Undoubtedly. But as it evolves, its mission stays constant: to connect us, inform us, and inspire us to be better.
In a world overflowing with content, television reminds us of something vital: some stories aren’t just consumed; they are experienced. And through those experiences, we grow closer to understanding each other and the world we share.
