There is hardly anyone in our country who does not know about television today. Even if everyone does not own a television set a majority of people watch television either at a neighbour's house or at a friend's place. Most shops selling televisions sometimes air special programmes such as cricket matches and popular reality shows on TV sets which are on display enabling many passers by to watch these programmes from outside, especially while waiting for public transport.

Some of you may be TV addicts who spend all your leisure watching one programme after the other aimlessly. It is not a good habit because being a couch potato is not good for your health. Children must learn to be selective of the programmes they watch and opt to watch more programmes which are educational than watch anything and everything that is aired on television.

We are aware of the strong impact television has had especially on the younger generation today.Even children of a very young age watch television and therefore it is important that the various TV stations in operation air programmes which will not have an adverse impact on the behavioural patterns of the younger generation of this country.

World Television Day which is celebrated today is an ideal time to focus on this very important aspect of television. The United Nations' (UN) World Television Day is annually observed in many places around the world on November 21 in recognition of the major role it plays in presenting different issue that affect people. World Television Day helps people remember the beneficial purposes of television. For example, it is used to educate people about the world around them.

It is also a day to renew the government's as well as organisations' and individuals' commitments to support the development of television media in providing unbiased information about important issues and events that affect society.

The UN acknowledges that television can be used to educate many people about the world, its issues and real stories that happen on the planet. Television has become one of the most influential forms of media for communication and information dissemination. It is used to broadcast freedom of expressions and to increase cultural diversity.

The UN realised that television played a major role in presenting global issues affecting people and this needed to be addressed.

On December 17, 1996, UN General Assembly proclaimed November 21 as World Television Day to commemorate the date on which the first World Television Forum was held earlier that year. The UN invited all member states to observe the day by encouraging global exchanges of television programs focusing, among other things, on issues such as peace, security, economic and social development and cultural change enhancements.