Celebrated today 26 years

Young people are again the protagonists of World Television Day, which traditionally falls on 21 November. A United Nations initiative in which the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT) and the European Association of Public and Private Television and Radio Advertisers (EGTA) join forces. I

t seduces, fascinates and still today – despite being almost one hundred years old – is the medium that has the power to capture the public’s attention the most: TV. The day to which, for twenty-six years, the medium has been dedicated serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility of the small screen, the world’s most influential medium in conveying information, culture and entertainment. The claim is always the same and can be shared on social media today with the hashtag #WorldTVDay. According to EBU statistics, TV is still very popular, especially in Europe in the 15-24 age group. This age group is increasingly favouring smartphones and tablets, where the TV medium has taken over.

On 21 and 22 November 1996, the United Nations held the first World Television Forum, where leading media figures met under the auspices of the United Nations to discuss the growing significance of television in today’s changing world and to consider how they might enhance their mutual cooperation. That is why the General Assembly decided to proclaim 21 November as World Television Day.

Last year, in the midst of the Covid pandemic, Caroline Petit, Deputy Director & Officer in Charge of UNRIC (United Nations Regional Information Centre for Europe), recalled how: “TV kept us all together during the pandemic, keeping us informed and updated, entertaining and even inspiring us. Long live Television as a unifying medium!”. Katty Roberfroid, Director General of EGTA, reported: “I find it very appropriate on this occasion not only to look back at the steady evolutionary path of TV but also to cast a keen eye on the future.

It is the very DNA of our medium that is continually transforming to meet the needs of our time, equally providing viewers, TV publishers and advertisers with new platforms, new possibilities and new ideas. With all of this in mind, we look forward to the next 25 years and the many innovations that will involve the TV, making it capable of delivering an increasingly immersive experience.