World Television Day (November 21): Screen and Consciousness

World Television Day (November 21): The World Behind the Screen and Carrier of Consciousness

Among the gifts modern science has given to human civilization, television is one of the most influential inventions.

From the mid-20th century to the early 21st century, television has played an unparalleled role in shaping public opinion, providing entertainment, and turning the world into a “global village.”

Every year on November 21, “World Television Day” is observed around the globe at the call of the United Nations.

However, this day is not a celebration of a mere electronic device.
It is a celebration of the vision it carries, the communication it enables, and the impact it creates on society.

This article presents the history of television, its global importance, its development in Nepal, and its changing form in the digital age.

1. Historical Background: Why Is It Observed on November 21?

Many people may think that television was invented on November 21, but that is not the case.

• First World Television Forum: On November 21 and 22, 1996, the United Nations organized the first “World Television Forum.”
  In this conference, media professionals from around the world discussed the growing influence of television and the role it could play in conflict resolution, peace, and security.

• United Nations declaration: In memory of that conference, on December 17, 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 51/205 and decided to observe November 21 as “World Television Day.”

According to the United Nations, “World Television Day is not so much a celebration of the tool itself, but of the communication and globalization it represents.”

2. Invention and Development of Television

The invention of television was not the work of a single person in a single night. It is the result of continuous efforts by many scientists.

• John Logie Baird: Scottish engineer John Logie Baird is considered a principal pioneer of television. In 1924 he demonstrated an early box-like “mechanical television.” In 1926 he conducted the first public demonstration of television in London.

• Philo Farnsworth: In 1927, 21-year-old American inventor Philo Farnsworth built the first fully electronic television. Modern television is fundamentally based on this development.

Technological leaps in television included:

• Black and white era: In the early stage, images were not in colour.

• Colour television: From the 1950s onwards, colour television emerged, making visual experience more vivid.

• Satellite broadcasting: After the launch of the “Telstar” satellite in 1962, television broadcasting became international.

• Digital and smart era: The journey that started with bulky CRT sets has now reached slim LED screens, 4K resolution, and internet-connected smart TVs.

3. History and Development of Television in Nepal

Television came to Nepal much later than to many other parts of the world, but its impact expanded rapidly in a short period.

History of Nepal Television (NTV):

The history of television in Nepal begins in 2041 BS (1985 AD).

• Project initiation: On 17 Magh 2041 BS, the “Nepal Television Project” was established.

• Regular broadcasting: From 14 Poush 2042 BS (29 December 1985), Nepal Television began regular broadcasts. Initially limited to the Kathmandu Valley, its reach gradually expanded nationwide.

Entry of the private sector:

The political change of 2046 BS and the liberalization policies of the 2050s opened the door for private media.

• Through cable networks such as “Shangrila Channel” and “Space Time Network,” private television gradually entered the scene.

• Later, private channels like Kantipur Television, Image Channel, and Avenues Television were established.

• Today, hundreds of national and local television channels are in operation in Nepal.

Social impact:

In the 1990s, owning a television in Nepal was a matter of prestige.

When one household had a TV, people from the whole neighbourhood would gather there to watch serials like “Ramayan,” “Mahabharat,” or programmes like “Hijo Aaja Ka Kura.”

This fostered social bonding and a culture of collective entertainment.

4. Importance and Role of Television

World Television Day does not treat television merely as a means of entertainment.

It recognizes its multi-dimensional roles.

Education and the Power of Information

Because television combines audio and video, its impact on the human mind lasts longer.

• Channels such as Discovery and National Geographic have helped spread knowledge about science and nature.

• In Nepal, when schools were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, distance education and virtual classes were conducted through television.

Democracy and Freedom of Expression

Television acts as a bridge between the state and the people.

Through news, debates, and talk shows, it helps make governments accountable and keeps citizens informed.

During elections, television plays a decisive role in shaping public opinion.

Cultural Exchange

From your room, you can watch the Olympic Games, Hollywood films, or an African jungle safari.

Television has erased geographical boundaries and connected the world culturally.

5. Challenges and Criticisms of Television

Like any technology, television has both positive and negative aspects.
Critics have analysed it from several angles.

• “Idiot box”: Excessive television viewing can reduce creativity, discourage physical exercise, and contribute to obesity.
  Because of this, some people have labelled the TV as an “idiot box.”

• Fake news and propaganda: In some cases, television channels, under the influence of political parties or business groups, have been used to spread disinformation and propaganda.

• Impact on children: Research has shown that violent scenes and certain advertisements can have negative psychological effects on children.

6. Changing Form: Is Television Disappearing?

In today’s internet age, many people ask, “When everyone has a mobile phone and YouTube, who still watches television?”

This is a valid question, but the answer is that television has not died; it has changed its form.

Key transformations include:

• From broadcasting to streaming:
  In the past, we watched programmes through antenna or dish at fixed times (appointment viewing). Now we watch programmes on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or YouTube whenever we want (on-demand viewing).

• Content is king: People may have left the old television box, but they have not stopped watching television content. The experience of watching films or sports on a large screen is not the same as on a mobile phone.

• Rise of smart TVs: Modern televisions are not much less powerful than computers. With internet connectivity, apps, and games, the market for smart TVs is growing further.

7. Credibility of Television

By standard measures, traditional television is still considered more reliable than social media.

Expertise and authority:

Anyone can post “news” on TikTok or Facebook, often without verification.

Television news, however, usually passes through an editorial team and fact-checking before broadcast.

Responsibility:

Television channels operate under laws and codes of conduct, which discourages them from spreading false information.

In times of crisis or disaster, people still turn to television screens for accurate information.

Conclusion

Observing World Television Day does not mean worshipping an old electronic box.

It means respecting truth, facts, and impartial information.

In today’s era, the physical form of television has changed, but its importance has not decreased.

Whether it is a 65-inch screen mounted on a wall or a 5-inch mobile phone in our hand, the video content we watch is the modern form of television.

In a developing country like Nepal, where many people still lack reliable internet access, television remains a primary source of information and entertainment.

The real challenge now is to prevent television from becoming a channel of propaganda and to preserve it as a carrier of education, awareness, and social transformation.

In summary, television is a mirror in which society sees its own face.

Keeping that mirror clean and clear is the responsibility of both media professionals and viewers.