BRUSSELS, November 22, 2025: Television broadcasters and media networks around the world are marking World Television Day, reaffirming the medium’s enduring influence as a trusted source of information, education, and entertainment. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, the annual observance on November 21 recognizes the continued importance of television in fostering understanding and facilitating global communication. The 2025 theme, “TV is Changing. Its Power Remains,” highlights television’s adaptability amid ongoing shifts in media consumption. The initiative is supported by the international trade body egta, the Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe (ACT), and the Global TV Group (GTVG).
The message underscores the resilience of television as audiences increasingly consume content across multiple digital and on-demand platforms. World Television Day commemorates the UN’s recognition of television as a primary medium for shaping public discourse and promoting international cooperation. The United Nations has long emphasized television’s capacity to influence decision-making, raise awareness of conflicts, promote peace and security, and address economic and social development issues. Despite the rise of digital media, television remains a vital tool in informing global audiences and reflecting shared human experiences.
“Television has always lived where emotion meets understanding, linking homes, generations, and ideas through a shared language,” said Katty Roberfroid, Director General of egta. “It changes shape with us, finding new ways to shine on every screen. When advertising respects that space, it fuels stories that educate, inspire, unite, and include. Television keeps evolving, but at heart stays the same, it helps us see one another, and ourselves, with greater clarity.”
The industry emphasizes creativity over format
Grégoire Polad, Director General of ACT, said television continues to play a central role in supporting local economies and cultural development. “Television is rooted in our economies and cultures, a leading investor in local creativity, talent, and growth,” he said. “The result is trusted news that supports our democracies, and entertainment and sport that reflect our varied identities. As fully accountable players, we set the benchmark for responsible innovation and media plurality.”
Anna Lujanen, President of the Global TV Group and Executive Director of Screenforce Finland, described television as an evolving ecosystem that extends beyond traditional formats. “Television is no longer a screen, it’s an ecosystem,” she said. “From connected TV to FAST channels and Total TV, innovation is not about format but about redefining the connection with audiences. The future of television isn’t just digital, it’s creative. Technology changes how we deliver stories but never why we tell them.”
Digital transformation enhances television’s reach
Sherri Aldis, Director of the United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe, said that television remains a vital medium in an age of rapidly changing media habits. “Television continues to evolve with every technological advance, but its role as a window to the world remains essential,” she said. “It has the power to unite people around facts, foster understanding, and strengthen our connection to the world we share. The power of audiovisual storytelling creates an important space for dialogue and exchange.”
The United Nations has invited all member states to observe World Television Day by encouraging international exchanges of programming that focus on peace, security, sustainable development, and cultural dialogue. As television continues to adapt to digital transformation, its fundamental purpose to inform, engage, and connect people remains unchanged. The observance serves as a reminder that, despite the evolution of viewing technologies, television continues to play a defining role in shaping global narratives and promoting shared understanding. – By Content Syndication Services.