In December 1996, 21 November was proclaimed as World Television Day, date on which the first World Television Forum was held.

The UN acknowledges that television can be used to educate about the world, its issues and real stories that happen on the planet.

Television is one of the most influential forms of media for communication and information dissemination.

It is used to broadcast freedom of expressions and to increase cultural diversity.

The UN realized that television played a major role in presenting global issues affecting people and this needed to be addressed.

The UN invited all member states to observe the day by encouraging global exchanges of television programs.

World Television Day is not so much a celebration of the tool, but rather the philosophy which it represents.

This was done in recognition of the increasing impact television has on the process of decision-making.