World Television Day

World Television Day is observed worldwide on November 21 and is dedicated to the device that has become an essential part of our daily lives—the television. News, favorite shows, and entertainment have all become part of our routines, so this day is a great opportunity to thank everyone involved in creating and broadcasting TV!

History

World Television Day was established by the United Nations in 1997 and continues to be celebrated today. The first official meeting focused on discussing the development and importance of television in the modern world, and it was agreed that television could be a powerful tool to inform people about pressing issues, threats, and important topics.

The first electronic television was invented by American engineer Philo Taylor Farnsworth in 1927. Remarkably, he was only 21 years old at the time! He had come up with the idea while still in school, imagining a mechanism that would capture images and transmit them using radio waves.

Interesting facts

• In 1962, Sweden had only one TV channel, and all programming was in black and white. In a famous prank, a host claimed that TVs could switch to color and demonstrated by placing a nylon stocking over his head.
• In the 1970s, before widespread recording technology, programs were broadcast live, leading to several memorable on-air mistakes.
• The average person in Japan spends up to nine hours a day watching television.
• More than 25% of viewers now watch shows on mobile devices and computers.
• Some people who grew up watching only black and white TV do not see color in their dreams.
• Many people leave the TV on in the background while cooking or cleaning.

How to take part

Celebrate World Television Day by inviting friends over or hosting a blue screen family dinner. Revisit your favorite childhood show and share its name on social media. Help spread awareness of this unique holiday!

When is World Television Day in 2025?

World Television Day is observed on November 21 each year.

Observations