Television continues to be the single largest source of video consumption. The interaction between emerging and traditional forms of broadcast creates a great opportunity to raise awareness about the important issues facing our communities and our planet.
November 21 every year has been set aside as World Television Day to recognise how television plays vital role in presenting different issues that affect people.
In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly set aside November 21 as World Television Day, recognising the increasing impact that television has on decision-making processes, drawing the world’s attention to conflicts and threat to peace and security, as well as its potential role in focusing attention on other major issues, including economic and social issues.
World Television Day is dedicated to the philosophy that television brings to our lives as a symbol of connection and globalisation in the 21st century. The UN understands the impact that television has on culture. The UN also sees television as a symbol of communication and globalisation. Events held around the world reflect these ideas.
These events include talks about communication issues and informational meetings that discuss the role of television in social and political developments.
This is in recognition of 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. It celebrates the impact and importance of television as a medium for communication, information, and entertainment. It acknowledges the role television plays in shaping public opinion, promoting cultural diversity, and fostering dialogue among nations.
World Television Day isn’t so much about technology as it is about the idea it symbolises. In today’s society, television serves as a symbol of connectivity.
Celebrating World Television Day can involve various activities that emphasise the positive aspects of television as a medium. Watch informative programmes: Tune in to television programmes that address important global issues, cultural diversity, and educational content.
Support local and independent productions Discover and support local and independent television productions that contribute to cultural richness and creativity.
Engage in media literacy: Promote media literacy by educating yourself and others about critical thinking when consuming television content.
Discuss social issues: Use television as a platform for discussing and addressing social, environmental, and political issues that affect your community and the world.
Promote cultural exchange: Encourage international television networks to promote cultural exchange by sharing content that celebrates diverse traditions and perspectives.
Advocate quality programming: Advocate for television programs that prioritise quality, ethics, and responsible journalism.
As we celebrate television day, I urge all the television stations in Nigeria to use the medium to promote harmony, cultural heritage of Nigeria and be responsible watchdog of the society.
I also urge the Nigerian government to support the medium by providing information to journalists and stop insensitive attacks on journalists across the country.
Elizabeth Maina,
Department of Mass Communication,
University of Maiduguri, Borno state
