World Television Day

World Television Day is celebrated around the world on November 21st, dedicated to the device that has become an integral part of our lives – the television. News, favourite shows and more have all become a part of our daily lives, and it’s time to thank everyone involved in creating and broadcasting the TV!

History

The holiday was founded by the UN in 1997, and is still celebrated to this day. The original meeting discussed the development and importance of television in the modern world, and it was agreed that the device could be used to inform people about topical issues, threats and other topics of importance.

The first electronic device was created by the American inventor Philo Taylor Farnsworth in 1927. At the time, he was only 21 years old! The idea had come to him much earlier while he was in school – he had thought of a mechanism that would capture images and move them using radio waves.

Fun facts

• In 1962, there was only one program in Sweden and all pictures were in black and white. One host of the show made the unusual claim that televisions were switching to color, and demonstrated this by putting a stocking on his head.
• In 1970, as recording was not yet available, programs were all broadcast live – this led to a few memorable mistakes.
• The average person in Japan spends 9 hours a day watching TV.
• More than 25% of people now watch programs on mobile devices and computers.
• People who grew up watching black and white TV do not see color in their dreams.
• Housewives often leave the TV on in the background while they cook and clean.

How to take part

Take part in the event by inviting friends over or having a blue screen family dinner. Remember your favorite show as a child and share its name on social networks. Help spread the word about the holiday!

When is World Television Day celebrated in 2023?

World Television Day is observed on November 21 each year.

Observations