Every year, the 21st of November is observed as World Television Day. World Television Day highlights the importance of Television as a major source of video consumption. It acknowledges its importance as a major tool in informing, channeling and affecting public opinion. Since its invention in 1924 by Scottish engineer John Logie Baird, Television has evolved as a major source of multimedia and interactive content, such as streaming videos, music, and internet browsing. In the 21st Century, Television has become a symbol of connection and globalisation.
The United Nations organised the first World Television Forum on 21 and 22nd November 1996 to discuss the growing importance of Television in the world. To recognise the day's importance, the United Nations General Assembly Passed a resolution on December 17 1996, to observe November 21 as World World Television Day.
The first World Television Day was observed on November 21 1997.
Theme of the World Television Day 2023
The theme of the World Television Day 2023 is Accessibility.
After China, India is the world's second-largest television market.
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) began the first television service in the world in 1936,
Television started in India on September 15, 1959. The first television station was set up in New Delhi with the help of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the American government.
The second Television was opened in Bombay(now Mumbai) In 1972. Later, television stations were opened in 1973 in Srinagar and Amritsar.
In 1975, television stations were opened in Calcutta, Madras and Lucknow.
The government of India set up Doordarshan under All India Radio on September 15 1959, on an experimental basis.
Doordarshan was separated from All India Radio and made a separate department in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which later came under Prasar Bharati.
The first news bulletin was started in 1965. It was five minutes long, and Partima Puri was the first newsreader on Doordarshan.
Krishi Darshan was the first programme to be telecast on Doordarshan. It was first telecasted on January 26, 1967, and is still being broadcast. It is the longest-running TV programme in India.
The programmes of the Doordarshan were broadcast in black and white. Colour broadcasting was introduced in India during the 1982 Asian Games.