World Television Day 2025: The Evolution of India’s Most Powerful Medium
Every year on November 21, the global community comes together to observe World Television Day 2025. Established by the United Nations in 1996, this day is not merely a celebration of the device itself, but a recognition of its massive influence on decision-making, education, and global communication.
For a vast and diverse nation like India, television is more than just entertainment; it is a lifeline of information. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Prasar Bharati, the network today binds the nation together, influencing public opinion and fostering cultural integration.
A Network of Billions
The scale of television in India is nothing short of a phenomenon. Currently, the broadcast network connects a staggering 900 million viewers residing in over 230 million households. Whether it is a bustling metro or a remote village in Odisha, the glow of the TV screen remains a constant companion.
As of March 2025, the ecosystem is vibrant and competitive, boasting 918 private satellite channels. Furthermore, the media and entertainment sector is a financial powerhouse, contributing ₹2.5 trillion to the economy in 2024, with projections to cross ₹3 trillion by 2027.
The Journey: From 1959 to the Digital Era
India’s tryst with television has been a fascinating saga of technological evolution.
· The Humble Beginning (1959): It started as an experiment by All India Radio (AIR) in Delhi on September 15, 1959, primarily for educational purposes.
· The Birth of Doordarshan (1965): Regular daily transmissions began, and Doordarshan eventually carved out its own identity, setting up centers in major cities including Mumbai, Srinagar, and Chennai.
· The Colour Revolution (1982): A defining moment arrived with the Asian Games in New Delhi, which introduced colour broadcasting to Indian living rooms. This era also saw massive expansion, covering 70% of the population by 1990.
· The Liberalisation Boom (1990s): The economy opened up, welcoming private giants like Star TV, Zee TV, and Sony. This ended the state monopoly and offered viewers a bouquet of choices in news and entertainment.
Education Through the Screen
Television has proven to be a critical tool for democratization, especially in education. When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools, it was the "idiot box" that saved the academic year for millions who lacked high-speed internet.
Through the PM e-Vidya initiative and the "One Class – One Channel" scheme, the government ensured that quality education reached the last mile. Channels on the SWAYAM Prabha platform broadcast curriculum-based content 24x7, ensuring that a student in a remote tribal district has access to the same learning material as a student in the capital.
The Digital Leap: DD Free Dish
Today, inclusivity is driven by technology. DD Free Dish, the country's only free-to-air Direct-to-Home (DTH) service, has become a game-changer for digital inclusion.
As of 2025, it reaches over 6.5 crore households, providing access to news, general entertainment, and educational content without a monthly subscription fee. This ensures that the poorest sections of society are not left behind in the information age.
As we mark World Television Day 2025, the medium stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. With the phasing out of analogue transmitters and the adoption of high-definition digital terrestrial transmission, India is future-proofing its broadcast capabilities. From a small experimental signal to a massive digital web connecting billions, Indian television remains a true mirror of the nation's progress.
