World Television Day
World Television Day 2025 is a global observance which celebrates the impact and importance of television as a medium for communication, information, entertainment and shaping our global society.
Background
The day was established by the UN in 1996 and highlights how television has acted as a tool for fostering peace and cultural diversity. Without readily available access to the internet at that time, television was the main way for most people to access news, information and educational programmes. Since then, World Television Day has served as a reminder of the power of television to inform, educate, and entertain while promoting international understanding and cooperation. It can also unite people across the world through shared moments, experiences and events, and it remains a credible source of information even in our age of 24/7 information at our fingertips. With sources accessed through portable devices, it is possible to stay informed and educated no matter where you are and to profit from all the positive benefits television can provide.
How to take part
There are many ways to emphasise the positive aspects of television as a medium so if you would like to get involved here are some suggestions:
Watch quality news, investigative and informative programmes to broaden your knowledge of important global issues and cultural diversity. The recent furore regarding the BBC and accusations of bias and misinformation shows that even well-respected and globally important providers need to be accountable and it’s not wrong to question if the information you are receiving is correct.
Watch local and independent productions which support a wider range of ideas and give a local perspective to news, education and drama content.
Improve media literacy by educating yourself about critical thinking when watching television content.
Advocate for television programs that prioritise quality, ethics, and responsible journalism.
Watch programmes which address social, environmental and political issues to use as a means of establishing discussion on issues which affect both your community and the world.
Box of Broadcasts
You may not have access to a television but would like to get involved. That’s where the Box of Broadcasts (BOB) database comes in. As a student or staff member you will have access to BOB which offers quality television, film and radio content for teaching and research. It’s a useful way to access previously requested content and to request programmes for viewing which are due to be broadcast. It’s simple to use:
- Sign into Library Search
- Select the Databases tab
- Click on the letter B.
- Scroll down to Box of Broadcasts and click on the title.
- You can now use the Search function to look for programmes you would like to watch or for subjects you are interested in.
- Click on Guide to see the list of upcoming programmes which you can request simply by selecting the request programme function underneath each listed programme. When the programme is ready to watch you will receive an email in your student or staff email inbox.
- The My BOB section gives access to your requested programmes and allows the creation of playlists.
BOB will give you access to all sorts of programmes which will enrich your knowledge of current affairs, different cultures and issues and don’t forget it’s free to use.
You can find books and articles on television, culture, information, journalism and education using Library Search
By Vivienne Hamilton
