World Television Day 2025 – History, Significance, Quiz

World Television Day is an event for the different governments across the world to strengthen their commitment to keeping media and television, objective and free. The whole world is now threatened with fake news and people are gradually losing their trust in the TV news. Today almost all News channels have their own independent political affiliations, and that affinity is so visible in their presentations. The crusade against this biased news has become every person’s fight. With its enormous reach, television is recognized as one of the forerunners in contributing to people’s understanding of pertinent social, political, and economic issues. In memory of 1996, the first World Television Forum UN recognizes November 21 as World Television Day. Unlike other days, World Television day is more of a philosophical preach rather than a full-fledged celebration mode.

World Television Day 2025 Date –  November 21

In this article readers can get a glimpse on

• History of World Television Day
• World Television Day Theme 2025
• World Television Day Quiz

World Television Day

In the era of social media, Television is slowly losing its glamourous days. There was a time when owning a TV is considered a luxury. Years down, now the technology advances, so the screen and its reach. Even now there are corners where social media is yet to make a mark, but Television has immense followers. Till today, Television continues to be the single largest source of video consumption around the globe. It is a sad reality that this popular stream is losing its popularity among the GenZ. As we said, World Television day is more of philosophical thought rather than a full-fledged celebration organized by some groups. To commemorate the very first World Television forum and to celebrate the potential of this powerful medium, we remember November 21 as the television day.

World Television Day History

From the 1920s onwards Television is part of human history. It is considered one of the greatest inventions of mankind. Through this, the world of entertainment has unfurled to the mass. Till the internet started to knock at our doorstep, we all waited to see the magic of the Televisions. Post world war-II the influence and reach of Television has started to increase rapidly. Television was the first generation power influencer.  The power and potential of TV in influencing world leaders and promoting international bonding was immense.

To explore and exploit this golden opportunity, the United Nations General Assembly called for the very first World Television Forum in 1996 November. In that two-day meeting, the heads of the world’s major broadcasting corporations were participated and discussed the immense power of the Television at UN Headquarters on 21 and 22 November. The event was the first to be convened by the UN to focus specifically on the global role of television. More than 130 broadcasting personalities from over 50 countries have participated in that event. While most of the participants agreed to the UN decision to proclaim November 21 as the World Television Day commemorating the date on which the first World Television Forum was held in 1996, Germany opposes this move. To their defense the delegates from Germany states as follows:

” There are already three United Nations days encompassing similar subjects: World Press Freedom Day; World Telecommunication and Information Society Day; and World Development Information Day. To add another day does not make much sense… ”

World Television Day Theme 2025

As of today, the official theme for World Television Day 2025 (observed on November 21st) has not yet been formally announced by the United Nations (UN). The theme is typically released by the UN or associated media organizations closer to the date of observance.

However, based on the recent focus and global trends in media, the 2025 theme is highly likely to emphasize the evolving role and social responsibility of television in the digital age.

Anticipated Focus for 2025

The theme will likely revolve around one or more of these critical aspects:

• Combating Misinformation: Emphasizing television’s role as a source of credible journalism and trusted information in a world saturated with social media and “fake news.”

• Adaptation and Evolution: Highlighting how traditional TV (linear broadcasting) is coexisting and interacting with new platforms (streaming, on-demand, mobile content) to remain relevant.

• Media Literacy: Promoting the importance of critical viewing and media literacy skills for audiences of all ages to better understand and utilize the information they consume.

• Social Impact and Development: Stressing television’s potential to drive positive change by focusing attention on major global issues like peace, security, climate action, and social development.

The official theme will be released by the United Nations and will guide the discussions and events held by broadcasters, governments, and educational institutions worldwide on November 21st, 2025.

World Television Day Previous Themes

World Television Day is celebrated annually on November 21st. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996 to recognize television’s increasing impact on decision-making, its role in drawing global attention to conflicts and peace, and its potential in focusing on economic and social issues.

The UN generally emphasizes the philosophy of television—its role as a symbol of communication and globalization—rather than announcing a distinct, short theme every year. However, specific focus points and slogans are often highlighted by media organizations (like The Global TV Group) and are recognized as the core message for the year. World Television Day Themes and Focus Areas are listed below:

• 2024: Accessibility

  • Focus: Emphasized making television content inclusive and available to diverse audiences, including through multi-language formats and features like subtitles and audio descriptions for persons with disabilities.

• 2023: Accessibility (Theme continued from 2024 in some regions, or generalized)

  • Focus: Highlighted the importance of broadcasting, quality content promotion, and utilizing television for positive social change, education, and global connectivity.

• 2019/2020/2021/2022: Themes during this period often coalesced around the importance of Credible Journalism and the Diversity of Content in an era of social media misinformation.

  • Specific Slogan (2019): Diversity of Television Content

• 2018: Quality Content / Premium Content – Content that Unites, Inspires and Informs

  • Focus: Celebrated the outstanding quality of professionally produced TV programmes and the medium’s capacity to inform and inspire viewers across all platforms.

• 2017 & Earlier (2014-2016): The messaging generally centered on the core philosophy and UN resolution:

  • The Medium’s Impact: Acknowledging the power of television in shaping global awareness and influencing decision-making.

  • Symbol of Globalization: Promoting television’s role in bridging cultural and geographical divides and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

The United Nations notes that World Television Day is dedicated to the philosophy that television brings to our lives as a symbol of connection and globalization in the 21st century.

World Television Day Quiz 2025

1. In which year was the first successful electronic television demonstrated?

A) 1925
B) 1927
C) 1934