European Associations Highlight World Television Day

World Television Day, declared by the United Nations in 1996, takes place on Nov 21 of each year. This year, for the first time, European commercial broadcasters and television sales houses from public and private sectors took the opportunity to reflect on the values of television. In a joint statement, the umbrella associations ACT and EGTA, whose members include RTL Group channels and airtime sales houses, highlight the role of TV in communicating on key transnational issues, its relevance to the world economy and its contribution to social and cultural development. They have set up a website especially for this occasion at www.worldtelevisionday.tv, which contains a wealth of information as well as testimonials and first-hand accounts from noted personalities in politics, business, sports, the media and the arts, and society.

“Television is still the way to reach the most citizens and talk to them – and with them – about how the EU affects their lives,” notes Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission. By appealing to people’s hearts and minds, she says, television creates a sense of unity and gathers millions to share extraordinary moments together, especially when it comes to live sports events: “It’s the media – television included, evidently – that bring Formula One to the living rooms of fans, followers and motorsport enthusiasts alike,” commented seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher.

The statement goes on to specify that television is a cornerstone of democracy and a pillar of freedom of expression and cultural diversity; it informs and educates, while continually inviting people to explore beyond their living rooms. TV offers visibility and stands behind many charitable organizations' fundraising initiatives, promotes the values and ethics of sports, and inspires people to follow healthy role models. And finally, as a driver of tomorrow’s multimedia world, TV constantly reinvents itself while anticipating and adapting to society’s needs and habits.

The people quoted on www.worldtelevisionday.tv include Philippe Delusinne, ACT President & CEO of RTL Belgium. “In the digital era, while we offer our professional content on multiple screens, linear TV remains the leading medium. Television is an instantaneous and effective communications medium, and this position comes with certain responsibilities to society. It is our task and our honor to report on important events across the world, to drive debates and to encourage people to reflect. Today is a day to realize that TV is there for us and that we fulfill many social roles through creating and distributing programs that inform, engage and entertain millions of people across the world.“

Other celebrities from the ranks of RTL Group include “Wer wird Millionär?” presenter Günther Jauch and RTL’s chief editor Peter Kloeppel from Germany; the French M6 presenters Cristina Cordula and Karine Le Marchand; Christophe Giltay, a Belgian journalist and RTL-TVI reporter; Pernille La Lau, Birgit Schuurman and Quinty Trustfull, TV presenters at RTL Nederland; and István Szellö, a TV presenter at RTL Klub in Hungary.