The advent of television has revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, news, and information. From its humble beginnings as a tiny black-and-white box to the sleek, smart, and powerful screens of today, TV has come a long way. On World Television Day, we take a nostalgic look at the journey of TV and how it has transformed over the years. The first TVs, which emerged in the early 20th century, were basic and flickering, but they brought the world into people’s homes in real-time. Families would gather around the single neighborhood TV to watch news bulletins, children’s shows, and iconic dramas.
The introduction of color TV in the 1950s and 1960s was a game-changer. It transformed the way stories were told and experienced, making cricket matches, films, and commercials more vibrant and engaging. The arrival of color TV in India during the 1982 Asian Games was a cultural turning point, inspiring thousands of households to bring home their first color set. The cable TV revolution of the 1990s brought choice and variety to TV viewing, with multiple channels offering music videos, movie marathons, and 24×7 news. This changed the rhythm of homes, with evening news becoming a ritual and Sunday movies becoming an event.
The era of reality TV shows followed, with talent hunts, cooking competitions, and dance battles ruling the screens. Global formats like Idol, Big Brother, and MasterChef got local flavors and made stars out of regular people. Viewers became invested in the shows, rooting for contestants, voting, and crying and laughing along with them. The digital age brought about the biggest shift in TV viewing, with the bulky box becoming a sleek, wall-mounted smart device that connected to the internet. This enabled binge-watching, OTT platforms, and personalized recommendations, making TV viewing feel luxurious and convenient.
Despite the rise of phones and laptops, TV still holds a special place in our lives. It’s the screen we turn to for big moments like cricket finals, national events, and family movie nights. TV has evolved with us, adapting to our habits, preferences, and moods, yet retaining its power to bring people together. World Television Day is a celebration of the power of visual storytelling, honoring the journalists, creators, technicians, and viewers who keep the medium alive. Television has shaped conversations, culture, and communities, and its journey is far from over. As we look to the future, it’s clear that TV will continue to play a vital role in our lives, entertaining, informing, and connecting us like never before.