Today is World Television Day.

In recognition of the increasing impact television has on decision-making by bringing world attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues, including economic and social issues, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21st November as World Television Day in 1996.

World Television Day is not so much a celebration of the tool, but rather the philosophy which it represents. Television represents a symbol for communication and globalization in the contemporary world.

Television helps bring the world to people’s lives and living rooms. It is the most powerful medium reaching millions of people around the world on a multitude of different screens. It is wonderful entertainment, educational, informative and communicative and an inspirational tool. For example during national and international sporting events it is so wonderful to watch how it brings people together and connects them all, for hours and days!

But then the power of Television is like every other power. It has its good and its bad sides. It can help spreading a wonderful message, an idea, art, recipes, history, travel, valuable and important news, sports, movies and entertainment and similarly lots of good.  But unfortunately Television is also used for propaganda, against ideas, against people, against good leaders, great artists, and in support of evil movements, barbarians and cruel nations. And unfortunately in India, just to earn some money and fame, our TV industry is adopting all possible tactics to attract viewers by pervert means. Almost all the TV serials telecast in all States in all languages of our country round the clock are full of negative roles, never ending conspiracies, villainy, violence and all that is bad, with very little good. These are all family dramas projecting women in unbelievable devilish roles. Such programs are a disgrace. They must be definitely having a very bad affect on children and some women, wasting their time and corrupting their minds. Similarly most 24X7 News channels are biased, not truthful, very noisy and their day long news, interviews, and debate telecasts sensationalizing and repeating cheap, dirty, violent, crime related and controversial news are useless and do more harm than good.

With such a large TV audience in our country, and in view of the irresponsible Television channels, especially those telecasting TV serials with never ending wicked family conspiracies and controversial and distorted news, I strongly feel that such TV channels should be regulated, censored or banned.