Day to celebrate the television

Most of you may be huge TV fans and return home from school with the sole intention of switching on the television. Even if you are not, you may certainly enjoy watching TV. But did you know that a special day has been set apart by none other than the United Nations to observe the significance of television in the world?

Yes, this day, known as the World Television Day, is observed on November 21. Celebrations are led by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The day was declared by the UN General Assembly in 1996 to encourage global exchanges of television programmes focusing on peace, security, economic and social development and the enhancement of cultural exchange. The announcement regarding the event was made at the 99th plenary meeting of the Assembly, on December 17, 1996. November 21 was chosen because the first World Television Forum was held on that day in 1996, when media figures from around the world gathered to discuss the role of television in the modern world.

The TV is, of course, one of the most powerful forms of media today. It is a medium where images, sounds, technologies, styles and ideas are combined to bring a complete product to viewers. Television is popular because of the convenience it offers to its worldwide audience, regardless of age, nationality and social status.

Television does not require literacy (ability to read and write) and presents its information in audiovisual form, so that no extra skills are necessary to understand it. It is a key part of the world's 'information society'. The TV is one of the primary means of communication and a standard gateway of information for the public, especially in less developed countries.

It contributes effectively to spreading information and knowledge, and is a powerful tool for reflecting and shaping human conditions and hopes.

Some of UNESCO's main aims through this Day are to foster freedom of expression and increase cultural diversity (variation) in the media, particularly by improving production capacities, distribution and quality of audio-visual programmes.

UNESCO promotes universal access to information and knowledge through quality and diverse content, reflecting the needs, concerns and expectations of the various audiences, especially the disadvantaged communities.

UNESCO's action focuses on enhancing (increasing) the utility of televisions as an educational and cultural vehicle; on advising member states on legal, regulatory, financial and other major issues; and on encouraging media professionals to reduce violence both in news and fictional (imaginary) programmes in electronic media with special emphasis on children and youth.

This strategy is carried out by providing training, funding local productions and establishing platforms for local content distribution for television authors, producers and broadcasters. UNESCO believes that sustaining high quality television programming results in a well-informed and enlightened public which can participate in public debates and struggle for political issues of common interest, thus emphasising the important role television plays in promoting democracy.

The UN and UNESCO have called for the world's television professionals to work together with them to ensure that television contributes to progress and to the well-being of the people of the world.