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November 21st • Media & Entertainment

World Television Day

World Television Day is not just a celebration of the tool, but rather the philosophy which it represents. Television represents a symbol for communication and globalisation in the contemporary world. Today, we debate the death of traditional TV, the rise of binge-watching culture, and how constant screen exposure has rewired our brains and our social lives. Is television still the most powerful medium of our time?

A vintage television set next to a modern flat screen

Speaking Discussion

  • How has your relationship with television changed over the last 10 years? Do you still watch traditional live TV, or have you switched entirely to streaming?
  • In your opinion, what is the impact of binge-watching (watching many episodes of a show in one sitting) on our attention spans and social lives?
  • Do you think that the quality of television shows has improved in the golden age of streaming (Netflix, HBO, etc.), or was TV better in the past?
  • How much of an impact does television have on our perception of reality and our understanding of other cultures?
  • Should there be more regulation on the amount of screen time that children (and adults) are exposed to every day? Why or why not?
  • If you had to choose between living without the internet or living without a television for a month, which would you pick? Why?

Activity 1: The New show Pitch

The Task: You are a TV Producer. You need to pitch a new, original show for a global streaming platform.

What is the concept, who is the target audience, and why will it be a global hit?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The biggest change in media is..."
  • "I think binge-watching is..."
  • "In my opinion, the future of TV is..."