World Television Day 2025: TV’s Evolution Highlights Its Enduring Influence

Abu dhabi: TV companies worldwide unite today to celebrate World Television Day, a global reminder of television's enduring influence as a medium for information, education, and shared experiences. Established by the United Nations, this annual occasion highlights the enduring power of TV, even as the ways we watch it continue to evolve. According to Emirates News Agency, the theme for the 2025 World Television Day, promoted by the international trade body of multiplatform TV and audio businesses (egta), and the Association of Commercial Television and VoD Services in Europe (ACT), with support from the GTVG (Global TV Group), is "TV is Changing. Its Power Remains". In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly established 21 November as World Television Day, recognising the increasing impact that television has on decision-making processes, drawing the world's attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security, as well as its potential role in focusing attention on other major issues, including econom ic and social issues. Whether it is through live broadcasts of major global events, documentaries that spark important conversations, or entertainment that creates cultural touchstones, TV continues to shape how we see the world and understand each other. Its relevance endures because, at its core, television is about storytelling, stories that inform, inspire, and bring people together. Katty Roberfroid, Director General of egta, emphasized that television has always been a medium where emotion meets understanding, linking homes, generations, and ideas through a shared language. She noted that television evolves with us, finding new ways to shine on every screen, and when advertising respects that space, it fuels stories that educate, inspire, unite, and include. Grégoire Polad, Director General of ACT, highlighted television's role in economies and cultures as a leading investor in local creativity, talent, and growth. He pointed out that television provides trusted news that supports democracies and ent ertainment that reflects diverse identities and passions, setting the benchmark for responsible services. Anna Lujanen, President of The Global TV Group and Executive Director of Screenforce Finland, stated that television is now an ecosystem, evolving from linear to digital formats. She emphasized that while technology changes how stories are delivered, creativity remains at the heart of the connection with audiences. Sherri Aldis, Director of the United Nations regional information center for western Europe, remarked that despite rapidly changing media habits, television remains a trusted window to the world. It unites people around facts, fosters understanding, and strengthens our connection to the world, creating an important space for dialogue and exchange. The UN has invited all member states to observe the day by encouraging global exchanges of television programmes focusing on issues such as peace, security, economic and social development, and cultural change enhancements.