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Essay on Television for Students [100, 150, 200, 350 Words]

Essay on Television: Television is one of the most influential innovations of modern times. In this article, you are going to learn to write a paragraph or essay on Television (100, 150, 200 and 350 Words). You’ll learn what are the uses and abuses of television or what are the advantages and disadvantages of television. So, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Short Essay on Television: 100 Words

Television is based on a highly sophisticated science of vision and sound. A man can see as far the horizon. He hears as far as the sound is audible to him. But television takes his vision to a place far beyond his horizon. He sees a thing or person long beyond his actual physical reach. It brings to him also sound from a very remote place.

In fact, television brings vision and sound together from a distance which is beyond the range of human sight and hearing. It is a powerful and very useful invention of modern science. It has conquered space for human eye-sight. It has brought about a great development in the science of communication. It can well be used for entertainment and knowledge.

Essay on Television in English

Television Essay: 150 Words

One of the latest wonders of science is Television. It is an effective medium of communication and entertainment. We can watch live important political, sports and other events happening at distant places. This enables us to have a direct knowledge of the things, places and events far away. TV has thus brought the whole world into the drawing room.

Television is also a powerful medium of mass education. Educational programmes on healthcare and family planning, general knowledge can be sent to millions of viewers through audio-visual presentation in the TV. It also keeps off loneliness.

But TV has its bad effects too. Watching TV sometimes becomes an addiction, People remain glued to the TV and it makes them idle- particularly the students and young people. They neglect sports and games and their studies. Too much of viewing affects our vision. Programmes, if not properly selected, cast bad effects on young minds. Social visits become very rare and people become unsocial.

Television Essay in English

Also Read: Paragraph on Computer

Essay on the Television: 200 Words

No other thing is as familiar as Television in our present times. It was invented by John Baird in 1925. It first appeared in India in 1959. It is really a wonder of science today. It is a two-in-one. It is the radio on one side and the cinema on the other. Television is a very useful instrument in many ways. It is a powerful medium for education and recreation. It gives lessons on the subjects like science and mathematics and also on geography and history.

It shows us cinema and live telecast on games and sports. On its screen we have a delightful scenery of nature and thrilling sights of animals roaming in the jungles and in the deep waters of the seas. We can amuse the shows of serials. It is also a mighty medium of advertisement.

Sometimes it has bad effects on children. In most cases, they sit tight with it to witness their favorite items which captivate them greatly. Sometimes they neglect their bounden duties as students. They try to copy the most interesting show-style. In some cases they even face their death. Many things are very good with television but its price is very high and the poor cannot benefit by it.

Also Read: Newspaper Essay in English

Television Essay in English: 350 Words

Television is a modern invention. When television was first invented, people of the world were very happy because they had the scope to know the world around them and to entertain themselves in the best possible ways. Television is no doubt something which ushered progress of civilization. Some electronic media like BBC took over the most important role to make the people of the world aware of the society to which they were belonging and the environment by which they were being nourished. It is quite well known that, BBC produced all of the plays of Shakespeare as films. Even this world famous electronic media focused on the two World Wars so much so that people of the world came to know how horrible was war and warfare. Thus social consciousness was an important factor that was first aroused by the aid of television.

But this television is now being abused constantly by some commercially debased people. In West Bengal, television is so abused that the young generation is now misguided. The young people follow the bad culture and become oblivious of the hoary tradition of our country. Mere entertainment has been presented on the different television channels. Meaningless serials and reality shows are heart-throbbing without any moral impact. Crimes and social disorder are presented so crudely that the minds of the young people are overwhelmed with frustration, dilapidation, and despair. It seems that there is no escape from despair. The ultimate result is social alienation which brings about moral dilemma.

Yet, the concerned authority is really callous to the problems. Advertisement, sponsors, etc. are the sources of the economic structure of the different channels. Thus, the producers intend to draw the attention of the businessman by claiming the popularity of the channels. The inevitable result of this kind of commercial debasement is of Course disintegration that causes serious disbelief in the sphere of culture and education. Therefore, we must be conscious of the fact that television is not merely a media for entertainment; rather it is a source of important social and cultural messages.

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Essay on Television

500+ words essay on television.

Television has become a crucial part of our lives now. It not only impacts our social life but also our educational life. Just as newspapers and computers are significant modes of communication, Television also counts as one. With a television, you can connect to the world outside. Moreover, it is also important in influencing our personal and public lives. However, with the benefits, there are also some disadvantages. Thus, it must be consumed within a limit. This television essay will elaborate on the same points.

television essay

Importance of Television

Television is definitely one of the most important electronic devices with a screen. It helps us in receiving information. Further, we also get entertained by it and get rid of boredom.

Most importantly, it plays a significant role in distributing news and information. News channels are a great source of information about the current happenings in the world. Similarly, television programs also teach us a lot of things.

For instance, we learn about the rich civilizations and historical sketches via historical channels. Similarly, when we are alone, it acts as a great source of entertainment. In addition, we also get to learn about many cooking recipes.

Television helps us raise the capacity of our minds. You can learn a trick or two from it to solve your daily problems. It also instils creativity in people. Further, watching information channels equip us with facts and concepts.

There are also motivation programs on television. They serve as inspiration for many to achieve success in a number of fields. Apart from that, we also get laughter therapy from television.

Watching comedy shows and movies allow us to laugh freely. On the other hand, people who are religious and spiritual also benefit from it. They get access to spiritual and religious messages to nourish their souls.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Television Essay- Why You Must Limit the Time

As the younger generations are growing up with electronics, it has become important to limit their time with these gadgets. You see all the time they are glued to phone screens or television.

It is no less than a nightmare for parents as it harms their brains. When you get used to watching the glowing screens constantly, nothing will interest you. Moreover, parents also allow their children to stare at the screens blankly to get entertainment.

This takes away their time of playing outside or spending time with their loved ones. When the children will play outside or mingle with others, they will be able to develop their social skills, gross motor skills and language.

Watching television only will not help them do that. Therefore, it is important to limit the time of television watching especially for children. This can help them greatly in the long run and give them a better life.

To conclude the television essay, while television has numerous benefits, it also comes with its fair share of disadvantages. Thus, we must ensure that our children create the perfect balance between watching TV and doing other things. This way, they can get the best of both worlds.

FAQ of Essay on Television

Question 1: Why is television important?

Answer 1: Television is a great source of entertainment. Moreover, it also provides us with valuable information about the world. It also helps us stay in touch with the outside world.

Question 2: Why should we limit the time of television?

Answer 2: It is essential to do that especially for children so they can develop their social skills and gross motor skills better. Watching too much television will also hamper their eyesight. Thus, it must be consumed within a limit.

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Essay On Television: In 100 Words, 150 Words, 200 Words

essay on television and its uses

  • Updated on  
  • Sep 22, 2023

Essay On Television

Television, often referred to as the “idiot box” in its early days, has undergone a remarkable transformation since its invention . It has evolved into a powerful medium of entertainment, information dissemination , and education . This essay delves into the multifaceted role of television in our lives, exploring its history, impact, and the advantages and disadvantages it brings.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Essay on Television in 100 words
  • 2 Essay on Television in 150 words
  • 3 Essay on Television in 200 words

Essay on Television in 100 words

Television, a ubiquitous electronic device, has become an integral part of modern life. Its journey from being merely a source of entertainment to a medium of knowledge and connectivity has been extraordinary. With the advent of technology, television has evolved into high-definition screens and smart TVs, offering a plethora of channels and content. It serves as a window to the world, providing news, educational programmes, and entertainment for people of all ages. While television enriches our lives, it also presents challenges, such as the risk of addiction and exposure to inappropriate content. Nevertheless, when used judiciously, television remains a powerful tool for learning and relaxation.

Must Read: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing an Essay

Essay on Television in 150 words

Television, originally known as the “idiot box,” has come a long way since its inception. Invented by John Logie Baird, it was initially designed solely for entertainment. Over the decades, technology has transformed it into a multifaceted medium. The word “television” itself reflects its essence, with “tele” meaning far-off and “vision” pertaining to seeing. It has become a device with a screen that receives signals, offering a wide array of channels and programmes.

Television is no longer confined to being a source of amusement; it’s a vital tool for education and information dissemination. News channels keep us informed about global events, and educational programmes expand our knowledge horizons. It’s also a source of inspiration, with motivational speakers and skill-building programmes motivating viewers.

However, television isn’t without its drawbacks. Inappropriate content, addiction, and the spread of misinformation are concerns. Yet, its advantages, including affordability and accessibility, outweigh the disadvantages when used responsibly.

Essay on Television in 200 words

Television, an electronic marvel, has evolved dramatically from its early days. Initially dubbed the “idiot box,” it was primarily a source of entertainment. However, with technological advancements, it has transformed into a versatile medium. The word “television” combines “tele,” meaning far-off, and “vision,” the act of seeing, reflecting its purpose as a device for receiving distant signals.

Television is now an indispensable part of modern life. It offers a multitude of channels and programs catering to diverse interests. News channels keep us updated on current events, while educational programs expand our knowledge in various fields. It’s also a source of motivation, with programs featuring inspirational speakers and skill development.

The affordability of televisions makes them accessible to a wide range of people. They provide a cost-effective means of entertainment and education, making them a valuable asset in many households.

Despite these advantages, television is not without its drawbacks. Inappropriate content can be easily accessed, posing risks to younger viewers. Excessive television watching can lead to addiction, resulting in reduced physical activity and social interactions. Furthermore, some programs spread misinformation, which can have lasting negative effects.

In conclusion, television, with its evolution and widespread use, offers a blend of entertainment, education, and information. Its benefits are immense, but users must exercise responsibility to maximize its potential while minimizing its drawbacks.

To improve your essay writing skills, practice regularly, read extensively, and pay attention to grammar and vocabulary. Additionally, seek feedback from peers or educators to identify areas for improvement.

A well-structured essay should have a clear introduction, a body with well-organized paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, and there should be smooth transitions between them.

To make your essay more engaging, start with a captivating hook in the introduction, use descriptive language and examples, and maintain a clear and logical flow of ideas throughout the essay. Additionally, consider the reader’s perspective and aim to address their interests and questions.

We hope that this essay blog on Television helps. For more amazing daily reads related to essay writing , stay tuned with Leverage Edu .

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Manasvi's flair in writing abilities is derived from her past experience of working with bootstrap start-ups, Advertisement and PR agencies as well as freelancing. She's currently working as a Content Marketing Associate at Leverage Edu to be a part of its thriving ecosystem.

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9.2 The Relationship Between Television and Culture

Learning objectives.

  • Identify ways in which American culture is reflected on television.
  • Identify ways in which television affects the development of American culture.

Since its inception as an integral part of American life in the 1950s, television has both reflected and nurtured cultural mores and values. From the escapist dramas of the 1960s, which consciously avoided controversial issues and glossed over life’s harsher realities in favor of an idealized portrayal, to the copious reality TV shows in recent years, on which participants discuss even the most personal and taboo issues, television has held up a mirror to society. But the relationship between social attitudes and television is reciprocal; broadcasters have often demonstrated their power to influence viewers, either consciously through slanted political commentary, or subtly, by portraying controversial relationships (such as single parenthood, same-sex marriages, or interracial couplings) as socially acceptable. The symbiotic nature of television and culture is exemplified in every broadcast, from family sitcoms to serious news reports.

Cultural Influences on Television

In the 1950s, most television entertainment programs ignored current events and political issues. Instead, the three major networks (ABC, NBC, and CBS) developed prime-time shows that would appeal to a general family audience. Chief among these types of shows was the domestic comedy —a generic family comedy that was identified by its character-based humor and usually set within the home. Seminal examples included popular 1950s shows such as Leave It to Beaver, The Donna Reed Show , and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet . Presenting a standardized version of the White middle-class suburban family, domestic comedies portrayed the conservative values of an idealized American life. Studiously avoiding prevalent social issues such as racial discrimination and civil rights, the shows focused on mostly White middle-class families with traditional nuclear roles (mother in the home, father in the office) and implied that most domestic problems could be solved within a 30-minute time slot, always ending with a strong moral lesson.

Although these shows depicted an idealized version of American family life, many families in the 1950s were traditional nuclear families. Following the widespread poverty, political uncertainty, and physical separation of the war years, many Americans wanted to settle down, have children, and enjoy the peace and security that family life appeared to offer. During the booming postwar era, a period of optimism and prosperity, the traditional nuclear family flourished. However, the families and lifestyles presented in domestic comedies did not encompass the overall American experience by any stretch of the imagination. As historian Stephanie Coontz points out, “the June Cleaver or Donna Stone homemaker role was not available to the more than 40 percent of black women with small children who worked outside the home (Coontz, 1992).” Although nearly 60 percent of the U.S. population was labeled middle class by the mid-1950s, 25 percent of all families and more than 50 percent of two-parent Black families were poor. Migrant workers suffered horrific deprivations, and racial tensions were rife. None of this was reflected in the world of domestic comedies, where even the Hispanic gardener in Father Knows Best was named Frank Smith (Coontz, 1992).

9.2.0

Most domestic comedies in the 1950s portrayed an idealized version of family life and ignored social and political events.

Dennis S. Hurd – The Cleavers – CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Not all programs in the 1950s were afraid to tackle controversial social or political issues. In March 1954, journalist Edward R. Murrow broadcast an unflattering portrait of U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy on his show See It Now . McCarthy, a member of the Senate Investigation Committee, had launched inquiries regarding potential Communist infiltration in U.S. institutions. Murrow thought that McCarthy’s aggressive tactics were a potential threat to civil liberties. His portrait cast the senator from Wisconsin in an unflattering light by pointing out contradictions in his speeches. This led to such an uproar that McCarthy was formally reprimanded by the U.S. Senate (Friedman, 2008).

Entertainment programs also tackled controversial issues. The long-running television western Gunsmoke , which aired on CBS from 1955 to 1975, flourished in a Cold War society, where U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) stood up to lawlessness in defense of civilization. The characters and community in Gunsmoke faced relevant social issues, including the treatment of minority groups, the meaning of family, the legitimacy of violence, and the strength of religious belief. During the 1960s, the show adapted to the desires of its viewing audience, becoming increasingly aware of and sympathetic to ethnic minorities, in tune with the national mood during the civil rights era. This adaptability helped the show to become the longest-running western in TV history.

Violence and Escapism in the 1960s

During the 1960s, television news broadcasts brought the realities of real-world events into people’s living rooms in vivid detail. The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite , which debuted in 1962, quickly became the country’s most popular newscast, and by the end of the decade, journalist Walter Cronkite was known as the most trusted man in America. Following John F. Kennedy’s election to the presidency at the beginning of the decade, the 1960s took an ominous turn. Shocked viewers tuned into Cronkite’s broadcast on November 22, 1963, to learn about the assassination of their president. During the next few days, viewers followed every aspect of the tragedy on television, from the tremor in Cronkite’s voice as he removed his glasses and announced the news of Kennedy’s death, to the frantic scenes from Dallas police headquarters where the assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, was gunned down by nightclub owner Jack Ruby, to the thousands of mourners lining up next to the president’s flag-draped coffin.

9.2.1

Television began to play a major role in U.S. politics during the presidency of John. F. Kennedy.

Wikimedia Commons – public domain.

Around the same time as Kennedy’s assassination, horrific images from Vietnam were streaming into people’s living rooms during the nation’s first televised war. With five camera crews on duty in the Saigon bureau, news crews captured vivid details of the war in progress. Although graphic images were rarely shown on network TV, several instances of violence reached the screen, including a CBS report in 1965 that showed Marines lighting the thatched roofs of the village of Cam Ne with Zippo lighters and an NBC news report in 1968 that aired a shot of South Vietnamese General Nguyen Ngoc Loan executing a captive on a Saigon street. Further images, of children being burned and scarred by napalm and prisoners being tortured, fueled the antiwar sentiments of many Americans. In addition to the devastation caused by the president’s death and the Vietnam War, Americans were also feeling the pressure of the Cold War—the clash between the United States and the Soviet Union in the years following World War II. This pressure was especially great during periods of tension throughout the 1950s and 1960s, such as the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, a confrontation that caused many people to fear nuclear war.

As a result of the intense stress faced by many Americans during the 1960s, broadcasters and viewers turned to escapist programs such as I Dream of Jeannie , a fantasy show about a 2,000-year-old genie who marries an astronaut, and Bewitched , a supernatural-themed show about a witch who tries to live as a suburban housewife. Both shows typified the situation comedy , or sitcom, a comedy genre featuring a recurring cast of characters who resolve zany situations based on their everyday lives. Other popular sitcoms in the 1960s included The Beverly Hillbillies , a show about a poor backwoods family who move to Beverly Hills, California, after finding oil on their land, and Gilligan’s Island , the ultimate escapist comedy about seven characters shipwrecked on an uncharted island. None of the 1960s sitcoms mentioned any of the political unease that was taking place in the outside world, providing audiences with a welcome diversion from real life. Other than an occasional documentary, TV programming in the 1960s consisted of a sharp dichotomy between prime-time escapist comedy and hard news.

Figure 9.10

9.2.2

Escapist sitcoms like I Dream of Jeannie provided Americans with a much-needed diversion from the stressful events of the 1960s.

Diversity and Politics in the 1970s

During the 1970s, broadcasters began to diversify families on their shows to reflect changing social attitudes toward formerly controversial issues such as single parenthood and divorce. Feminist groups including the National Organization for Women (NOW), the National Women’s Political Caucus, and the Coalition of Labor Union Women pushed for equality on issues such as pay and encouraged women to enter the workforce. In 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court sanctioned women’s right to abortion, giving them control over their reproductive rights. Divorce rates skyrocketed during the 1970s, as states adopted no-fault divorce laws, and the change in family dynamics was reflected on television. Between 1972 and 1978, CBS aired the socially controversial sitcom Maude . Featuring a middle-aged feminist living with her fourth husband and divorced daughter, the show exploded the dominant values of the White middle-class domestic sitcom and its traditional gender roles. Throughout its 7-year run, Maude tackled social and political issues such as abortion, menopause, birth control, alcoholism, and depression. During its first four seasons, the show was in the top 10 in Nielsen ratings, illustrating the changing tastes of the viewing audience, who had come of age during the era of civil rights and Vietnam protests and developed a taste for socially conscious television. Other 1970s sitcoms took the same approach, including Maude ’s CBS predecessor, All in the Family , which covered issues ranging from racism and homophobia to rape and miscarriage, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show , which reflected changing attitudes toward women’s rights by featuring television’s first never-married independent career woman as the central character. Even wholesome family favorite The Brady Bunch , which ran from 1969 to 1974, featured a non-nuclear family, reflecting the rising rates of blended families in American society.

Figure 9.11

9.2.3

The popularity of controversial shows like Maude reflected the changing cultural and social values of the 1970s.

In addition to changing family dynamics on sitcoms and other prime-time shows, variety and comedy sketch shows developed a political awareness in the 1970s that reflected audiences’ growing appetite for social and political commentary. Sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live ( SNL ) premiered on NBC in 1975 and has remained on air ever since. Featuring a different celebrity guest host every week and relatively unknown comedy regulars, the show parodies contemporary popular culture and politics, lambasting presidential candidates and pop stars alike. Earlier NBC sketch comedy show Laugh-In , which ran from 1968 to 1973, also featured politically charged material, though it lacked the satirical bite of later series such as SNL . By the end of the decade, television broadcasting reflected a far more politically conscious and socially aware viewing audience.

The Influence of Cable Television in the 1980s

Until the mid-1980s, the top three networks (ABC, NBC, and CBS) dominated television broadcasting in the United States. However, as cable services gained popularity following the deregulation of the industry in 1984, viewers found themselves with a multitude of options. Services such as Cable News Network (CNN), Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN), and Music Television (MTV) profoundly altered the television landscape in the world of news, sports, and music. New markets opened up for these innovative program types, as well as for older genres such as the sitcom. During the 1980s, a revival of family sitcoms took place with two enormous hits: The Cosby Show and Family Ties . Both featured a new take on modern family life, with the mothers working outside of the home and the fathers pitching in with housework and parental duties. Despite their success on network television, sitcoms faced stiff competition from cable’s variety of choices. Between 1983 and 1994, weekly broadcast audience shares (a measure of the number of televisions in use that are tuned to a particular show) for network television dropped from 69 to 52, while cable networks’ shares rose from 9 to 26 (Newcomb, 2004).

With a growing number of households subscribing to cable TV, concern began to grow about the levels of violence to which children were becoming exposed. In addition to regularly broadcast network programs, cable offered viewers the chance to watch films and adult-themed shows during all hours, many of which had far more violent content than normal network programming. One study found that by the time an average child leaves elementary school, he or she has witnessed 8,000 murders and more than 100,000 other acts of violence on television (Blakey, 2002). Although no conclusive links have been drawn between witnessing violence on television and carrying out violence in real life, the loosening boundaries regarding sexual and violent content on television is a persistent cause for concern for many parents. For more information on the social effects of violence in the media, please refer to Chapter 2 “Media Effects” .

Specialization in the 1990s and 2000s

Although TV viewership is growing, the vast number of cable channels and other, newer content delivery platforms means that audiences are thinly stretched. In recent years, broadcasters have been narrowing the focus of their programming to meet the needs and interests of an increasingly fragmented audience. Entire cable channels devoted to cooking, music, news, African American interests (see sidebar below), weather, and courtroom drama enable viewers to choose exactly what type of show they want to watch, and many news channels are further specialized according to viewers’ political opinions. This trend toward specialization reflects a more general shift within society, as companies cater increasingly to smaller, more targeted consumer bases. Business magazine editor Chris Anderson explains, “We’re leaving the watercooler era, when most of us listened, watched and read from the same relatively small pool of mostly hit content. And we’re entering the microculture era, when we are all into different things (Gunther, 2006).” Just as cable broadcasters are catering to niche markets, Internet-based companies such as Amazon.com and Netflix are taking advantage of this concept by selling large numbers of books, DVDs, and music albums with narrow appeal. Section 9.3 “Issues and Trends in the Television Industry” and Section 9.4 “Influence of New Technologies” of this chapter will cover the recent trends and issues of this era in television.

Black Entertainment Television (BET)

Launched in 1980, Black Entertainment Television (BET) was the first television network in the United States dedicated to the interests of African American viewers. The basic-cable franchise was created in Washington, DC, by media entrepreneur Robert Johnson, who initially invested $15,000 in the venture. Within a decade, he had turned the company into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, and in 1991 it became the first Black-controlled company on the New York Stock Exchange. The company was sold to Viacom in 2003 for $3 billion.

Pre-dating MTV by a year, BET initially focused on Black-oriented music videos but soon diversified into original urban-oriented programs and public affairs shows. Although BET compensated somewhat for the underrepresentation of Blacks on television (African Americans made up 8 percent of the prime-time characters on television in 1980 but made up 12 percent of the population), viewers complained about the portrayal of stereotypical images and inappropriate violent or sexual behavior in many of the rap videos shown by the network. In a 2004 interview with BET vice president of communications Michael Lewellen, former BET talk show host Bev Smith said, “We had videos on BET in those days that were graphic but didn’t proliferate as they seem to be doing now. That’s all you do seem to see are scantily dressed women who a lot of African American women are upset about in those videos (Fox News, 2004).” Despite the criticisms, BET remained the No. 1 cable network among Blacks 18 to 34 in 2010 and retained an average audience of 524,000 total viewers during the first quarter of the year (Forbes, 2010).

Television’s Influence on Culture

Despite entering a microculture era with a variety of niche markets, television remains the most important unifying cultural presence in the United States. During times of national crises, television news broadcasts have galvanized the country by providing real-time coverage of major events. When terrorists crashed planes into the World Trade Center towers in 2001, 24-hour TV news crews provided stunned viewers around the world with continuous updates about the attack and its aftermath. Meanwhile, network blockbusters such as Lost and 24 have united viewers in shared anticipation, launching numerous blogs, fan sites, and speculative workplace discussions about characters’ fates.

Televised coverage of the news has had several cultural effects since the 1950s. Providing viewers with footage of the most intense human experiences, televised news has been able to reach people in a way that radio and newspapers cannot. The images themselves have played an important role in influencing viewer opinion. During the coverage of the civil rights movement, for example, footage of a 1963 attack on civil rights protesters in Birmingham, Alabama, showed police blasting African American demonstrators—many of them children—with fire hoses. Coupled with images of angry White segregationist mobs squaring off against Black students, the news footage did much to sway public opinion in favor of liberal legislation such as the 1964 Voting Rights Act. Conversely, when volatile pictures of the race riots in Detroit and other cities in the late 1960s hit the airwaves, horrified viewers saw the need for a return to law and order. The footage helped create an anti-civil-rights backlash that encouraged many viewers to vote for conservative Republican Richard Nixon during the 1968 presidential election.

During the past few decades, mass-media news coverage has gone beyond swaying public opinion through mere imagery. Trusted centrist voices such as that of Walter Cronkite, who was known for his impartial reporting of some of the biggest news stories in the 1960s, have been replaced by highly politicized news coverage on cable channels such as conservative Fox News and liberal MSNBC. As broadcasters narrow their focus to cater to more specialized audiences, viewers choose to watch the networks that suit their political bias. Middle-of-the-road network CNN, which aims for nonpartisanship, frequently loses out in the ratings wars against Fox and MSNBC, both of which have fierce groups of supporters. As one reporter put it, “A small partisan base is enough for big ratings; the mildly interested middle might rather watch Grey’s Anatomy (Poniewozik, 2010).” Critics argue that partisan news networks cause viewers to have less understanding of opposing political opinions, making them more polarized.

Table 9.1 Partisan Profile of TV News Audiences in 2008

Social Controversy

The issue of whether television producers have a responsibility to promote particular social values continues to generate heated discussion. When the unmarried title character in the CBS series Murphy Brown —a comedy show about a divorced anchorwoman—got pregnant and chose to have the baby without any involvement from the father, then–Vice President Dan Quayle referenced the show as an example of degenerating family values. Linking the 1992 Los Angeles riots to a breakdown of family structure and social order, Quayle lambasted producers’ poor judgment, saying, “It doesn’t help matters when prime-time TV has Murphy Brown, a character who supposedly epitomizes today’s intelligent, highly paid professional woman, mocking the importance of fathers by bearing a child alone, and calling it just another ‘lifestyle choice (Time, 1992).’” Quayle’s outburst sparked lively debate between supporters and opponents of his viewpoint, with some praising his outspoken social commentary and others dismissing him as out of touch with America and its growing number of single mothers.

Similar controversy arose with the portrayal of openly gay characters on prime-time television shows. When the lead character on the ABC sitcom Ellen came out in 1997 (2 weeks after Ellen DeGeneres, the actress who played the role, announced that she was gay), she became the first leading gay character on both broadcast and cable networks. The show proved to be a test case for the nation’s tolerance of openly gay characters on prime-time TV and became the subject of much debate. Embraced by liberal supporters and lambasted by conservative objectors (evangelical Baptist minister Jerry Falwell infamously dubbed her “Ellen DeGenerate”), both the actress and the show furthered the quest to make homosexuality acceptable to mainstream audiences. Although Ellen was canceled the following year (amid disagreements with producers about whether it should contain a parental advisory warning), DeGeneres successfully returned to television in 2003 with her own talk show. Subsequent shows with prominent gay characters were quick to follow in Ellen ’s footsteps. According to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), 18 lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender characters accounted for 3 percent of scripted series regulars in the 2009–2010 broadcast television schedule, up from 1.3 percent in 2006 (Mitchell, 2009).

Creating Stars via Reality Television

Emerging out of the 1948 TV series Candid Camera , in which people were secretly filmed responding to elaborate practical jokes, reality television aimed to capture real, unscripted life on camera. The genre developed in several different directions, from home-video clip shows ( America’s Funniest Home Videos , America’s Funniest People ) to true-crime reenactment shows ( America’s Most Wanted , Unsolved Mysteries ) to thematic shows based on professions of interest ( Project Runway , Police Women of Broward County , Top Chef ). Near the turn of the millennium, the genre began to lean toward more voyeuristic shows, such as MTV’s The Real World , an unscripted “documentary” that followed the lives of seven strangers selected to live together in a large house or apartment in a major city. The show drew criticisms for glamorizing bad behavior and encouraging excessive drinking and casual sex, although its ratings soared with each successive controversy (a trend that critics claim encouraged producers to actively stage rating-grabbing scenarios). During the late 1990s and 2000s, a wave of copycat reality TV shows emerged, including the voyeuristic series Big Brother , which filmed a group of strangers living together in an isolated house full of cameras in an attempt to win large amounts of cash, and Survivor , a game show in which participants competed against each other by performing endurance challenges on an uninhabited island. Survivor ’s success as the most popular show on television in the summer of 2000 ensured the continued growth of the reality television genre, and producers turned their attention to reality dating shows such as The Bachelor , Temptation Island , and Dating in the Dark . Cheap to produce, with a seemingly never-ending supply of willing contestants and eager advertising sponsors, reality TV shows continue to bring in big ratings. As of 2010, singing talent competition American Idol is television’s biggest revenue generator, pulling in $8.1 million in advertising sales every 30 minutes it is on the air (Bond, 2010).

Figure 9.12

9.2.4

The stress of appearing on reality television shows has proved detrimental to some contestants’ health. Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle suffered a nervous breakdown in 2009.

Banalities – SuBo Dreamed a Dream – CC BY 2.0.

Reality TV has created the cultural phenomenon of the instant celebrity. Famous for simply being on the air, reality show contestants are extending their 15 minutes in the spotlight. Kate Gosselin, star of Jon & Kate Plus 8 , a cable TV show about a couple who have eight children, has since appeared in numerous magazine articles, and in 2010 she starred on celebrity reality dance show Dancing with the Stars . Survivor contestant Elisabeth Hasselbeck became a co-host on TV talk show The View , and several American Idol contestants (including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood) have become household names. The genre has drawn criticism for creating a generation that expects to achieve instant wealth without having to try very hard and also for preying on vulnerable people whom critics call “disposable.” When Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle suffered a public meltdown in 2009 after the stress of transitioning from obscurity to stardom in an extremely short time period, the media began to point out the dangers of reality television. In 2009, TheWrap.com investigated the current lives of former stars of reality shows such as The Contender , Paradise Hotel , Wife Swap , and Extreme Makeover , and found that at least 11 participants had committed suicide as an apparent result of their appearances on screen (Adams, 2009; Feldlinger).

Key Takeaways

  • Television has been reflecting changing cultural values since it first gained popularity after World War II. During the 1950s, most programs ignored current events and political issues in favor of family-friendly domestic comedies, which featured White suburban middle-class families. Extreme stress during the 1960s, caused by political events such as the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, led people to turn to escapist television offered by fantasy sitcoms. These provided a sharp dichotomy with the hard-news shows of the era. Social consciousness during the 1970s prompted television producers to reflect changing social attitudes regarding single parenthood, women’s roles, and divorce, and sitcom families began to reflect the increasing number of non-nuclear families in society. The increasing popularity of cable TV in the 1980s led to an explosion of news and entertainment channels, some of which raised concerns about the levels of violence on television. During the 1990s and 2000s, TV networks became more specialized, catering to niche markets in order to meet the needs of an increasingly fragmented audience.
  • Television reflects cultural values, and it also influences culture. One example of this is the polarization of cable TV news, which is no longer centrist but caters to individual political tastes. Critics argue that this influences cable news viewers’ opinions and makes them less open to opposing political viewpoints. Entertainment programs also play an influential role within society. By portraying controversial relationships such as single parents or gay couples as acceptable, TV shows have the power to shape viewers’ attitudes. In recent years, broadcasters have created the concept of the instant celebrity through the genre of reality television. Contestants on reality TV shows now permeate every aspect of culture and the media, from the music charts to popular magazines and newspapers.

Please respond to the following short-answer writing prompts. Each response should be a minimum of one paragraph.

  • Choose a popular sitcom from the past 50 years you are familiar with (you can view episodes on Hulu.com to refamiliarize yourself if necessary). Using the ideas in this section as a starting point, identify three ways in which your chosen sitcom reflects or reflected American culture.
  • Spend a few days reviewing news coverage on Fox News and MSNBC. How is coverage of similar news stories different? Do you think partisan news networks can affect public opinion? Why or why not?

Adams, Guy. “Lessons From America on the Dangers of Reality Television,” Independent (London), June 6, 2009, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/lessons-from-america-on-the-dangers-of-reality-television-1698165.html .

Blakey, Rea. “Study Links TV Viewing Among Kids to Later Violence,” CNN Health , March 28, 2002, http://archives.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/parenting/03/28/kids.tv.violence/index.html .

Bond, Paul. “‘Idol’ Listed as TV’s Biggest Revenue Generator,” Hollywood Reporter , May 5, 2010, http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i8f1f42046a622bda2d602430b16d3ed9 .

Coontz, Stephanie. “‘Leave It to Beaver’ and ‘Ozzie and Harriet’: American Families in the 1950s,” in The Way We Never Were: American Families and the Nostalgia Trip (New York: BasicBooks, 1992), 28.

Forbes, “BET Networks Unveils New African American Consumer Market Research and New Programming at 2010 Upfront Presentation,” April 14, 2010, http://www.forbes.com/feeds/prnewswire/2010/04/14/prnewswire201004141601PR_NEWS_USPR_____NE86679.html .

Fox News, The O’Reilly Factor, “Is Black Entertainment Television Taking a Disturbing Turn?” Fox News , May 26, 2004, http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,120993,00.html .

Frank Feldlinger, “TheWrap Investigates: 11 Players Have Committed Suicide,” TheWrap, http://www.thewrap.com/television/article/thewrap-investigates-11-players-have-committed-suicide-3409 .

Friedman, Michael J. “‘See It Now’: Murrow vs. McCarthy,” in Edward R. Murrow: Journalism at Its Best , publication of U.S. Department of State, June 1, 2008, http://www.america.gov/st/democracyhr-english/2008/June/20080601110244eaifas8.602542e-02.html .

Gunther, Marc. “The Extinction of Mass Culture, CNN Money , July 12, 2006, http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/11/news/economy/pluggedin_gunther.fortune/index.htm .

Mitchell, Wendy. “GLAAD Report: Gay Characters on Network TV Still on the Rise,” Entertainment Weekly , September 30, 2009, http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/09/30/glaad-report-gay-characters-on-rise/ .

Newcomb, Horace. ed., Encyclopedia of Television (New York: Fitzroy Dearborn, 2004), 389.

Poniewozik, James. “CNN: Can a Mainstream News Outlet Survive?” Time , May 3, 2010, http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1983901,00.html .

Time, “Dan Quayle vs. Murphy Brown,” June 1, 1992, http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,975627,00.html .

Understanding Media and Culture Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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  • Television Essay

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The Television

The television is a popular entertainment device. It is very common and is found in almost all households. When the television first started broadcasting, it was known as the "Idiot Box” because at that time, the only purpose of television was to provide entertainment. Now, with the advancement of technology and creativity, television has emerged as an important mass media. There are many learning and informative channels on the TV today which act as the source of knowledge as well as entertainment.

The word "Television" comprises two words: "tele" and "vision". Tele is a prefix of Greek origin, which means far-off, which is used in creating names of instruments for operating over long distances, whereas vision means the act or faculty of seeing. “Television” can be termed as a device with a screen for receiving signals. 

The Perspectives of Television

The television was first invented by a Scottish scientist, John Logie Baird. Originally, it was capable of displaying monochromatic motion images (or videos). With advances in technology now, we have coloured TVs and even smart TVs. Children and adults depend on television for their entertainment. People spend a lot of their leisure time watching television. This may lead one to wonder whether it is really a good practice to spend so much time on the television. There are certain advantages and disadvantages of television beyond doubt.

The Advantages of Watching Television

An Inexpensive Source of Entertainment: Television is now a very cheap mode of entertainment. Televisions are not very costly, and apart from a very minimal service fee, one needs nothing more to be entertained. Televisions are a great entertainment option for people who live alone or cannot go out often. Televisions are cheap enough to be affordable for all.

Provides Knowledge: Television has a number of services, like news channels and so on. These channels and services help us stay up-to-date with the latest news all around the world. Television also offers educational programs, which help us expand the horizon of our knowledge. We get to learn about science, wildlife, history, and so on.

Gives Motivation: There are programs on television which motivate people to develop certain skills. There are programs of motivational speakers which inspire the viewers to push themselves to excel in their line of work.

The Disadvantages of Television

Like every other device, television too has some demerits alongside its advantages. 

Inappropriate Content: Television has barely any measures to prevent segregation of mature and adult audiences from younger audiences. Thus, when a piece of content is aired, it can be viewed by all. As a result, the younger section of the audience is exposed to inappropriate content.

Addiction: Studies have shown that watching a lot of television can get addictive. Television addiction helps lower social activities and promotes inactivity. This makes children more susceptible to mental as well as physical illnesses.

Fake Information: A lot of television content is aimed to spread misinformation for views and ratings. This kind of misinformation can hinder social and communal harmony. The misinformation can also leave a lasting impression on the audience who are of a vulnerable age.

Short Essay on Television in English (200 words)

Television is a great medium of entertainment for people from every age group. It provides enjoyment for the whole family. There are many channels, including news channels, sports channels, and channels of films, cartoons, or songs. Television also contains many programs and shows for kids. Television is a device that entertains the public and informs us about the country and the world.

Television is an amazing invention of science. Watching television makes us fresh, and we forget our worries and fatigue with its magic. Nowadays, the satellite technology and the cable network are far more powerful than ever. A variety of content is available on television and we can watch a channel of our choice. Television also has a great educational value as there are so many channels reserved for educational purposes. Many companies in the world prepare graded programmes.

However, television has a dark side too. Watching too much television can be harmful. Generally, kids are very fond of watching television, but continuously watching television can affect their eyes. Furthermore, it has an adverse effect on their studies. Students will not get enough time to study well if they stay busy watching television, and it makes them less imaginative. In spite of its dark side, television has become a vital means of transmitting both education and entertainment. 

10 lines on a Television Essay in English

Television is an effective medium for communication. 

Television is a vast medium of entertainment, information, and education of the modern age.

Television was invented in 1925 by John Logie Baird.

Television enables children to learn moral lessons in a fun way with special channels and programs meant for children.

The television shows, live matches, movies, music, cartoons, etc. are sources of our entertainment.

Television is considered an amazing invention of science.

We can enjoy a cinema, a football or cricket match, news, serials, and many other programs.

It is called Doordarshan in Hindi because it gives the vision of distant objects.

Television is also used to teach children in school

We can watch and hear the news of the world through television.

Whether television is good or bad for the viewers can be a long debate. However, one must always bear in mind that a device is not good or bad, it is merely a device. How one uses that device is what determines its effect. If we judicially use the television and control our television viewing time, we can get the benefits while avoiding the shortcomings.

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FAQs on Television Essay

1. What is the importance of television?

Television has helped immensely in broadcasting a lot of information since its inception. Television is a great medium for people, which is used as a means of delivering entertainment, advertising products, and services, right in the comfort of the home. Television is also helpful in delivering news swiftly across the people and many programs are designed to serve as education and a source of knowledge, which is designed for all the age groups. Recently, most households have a television set and many of them have more than one television.

2. What is the history of television?

Television comprises both hearing and watching. Things can be seen from a great distance by means of the television. Television enables us to watch the live images of a person dancing, singing, or talking at a great distance. The television was invented by a scientist named Baird in 1925. Since its invention, television has gone through a lot of development and improvements. Initially, the sound and picture were not clear, and even images were mono-colored. But today, televisions have crystal clear sounds and images in actual color.

Television Influence on People Essay

Interpersonal relationships depend on a variety of internal and external factors, and television remains one of the most controversial issues in human life. On the one hand, according to Martin and Jacobus (2019), social interactions offered on TV are predictable and rather slick, with no solid room for experimentation and imagination. On the other hand, access to television programs has already become a meaningful international movement (Martin & Jacobus, 2019). It means that information may be displayed on TV and provoke certain emotions and behaviors. People want to and can watch as many shows and episodes as possible to cover their personal needs and emotional satisfaction. They compare experiences, analyze environments, and develop discussions to demonstrate what they learn from the offered material. For example, high social expectations and new perspectives on obligations depicted on TV affect adolescents and adults. In this essay, analyzing the course reading and an interview with a friend allows learning that despite a common context and technical advancement, television has a great impact on people.

Despite the intention to control the impact of TV on children, it is hard for parents to ensure that proper shows and episodes are chosen for watching. During this interview, my friend recognized two shows that determined her childhood and adolescence – Friends (NBC, 1994-2004) and Beverly Hills 90210 (CBS, 1990-2000). At that moment, watching the chosen series was related to multiple positive emotions because the authors depicted the nature of teenage and adult relationships and the quality of life that American citizens could have (Martin & Jacobus, 2019). For example, in Beverly Hills , school and college education were described, with a special evaluation of current problems of drug abuse, sexual violence, bullying, and friendship. In Friends , attention was paid to the essence of friendship and situations when certain decisions should be made and preferences should be established. It was learned that even the most intelligent and careful people could make mistakes and needed to analyze their behaviors in particular contexts. Each show seriously impacted the interviewee’s behavior and acceptance of reality. Those stories prepared adolescents for their grown-up lives where racial, gender, and age inequality existed and put various restrictions on an individual’s activities.

The ways of making TV shows have changed with time, including various technological and social aspects, but their impact on people stays the same. Today, there is no need to wait for a particular time but use the Internet and watch favorite shows anytime. The interviewee shared her interest in such series as Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, 2005 – ) and Gossip Girl (CW, 2007-2012). Almost every episode brought some new experiences and emotions to her life because the characters lived their lives, solved problems, and achieved their goals. Martin and Jacobus (2019) notice that many modern episodes are self-contained, and it does not take much preparation or explanation in advance. Therefore, the number of viewers changes regularly, and some people demonstrate their interest or choose other shows. My friend admires Grey’s Anatomy due to its surgical themes and how health care has been recently improved. Gossip Girl is a show about modern teenagers, their problems, and their dreams. It reveals what young people want, what steps they are ready to take, and how family business affects children’s future. Instead of inspiration or motivation, these series provoke critical thinking and evaluation.

Addressing the chosen TV shows and learning the material from the textbook, it has become evident that television’s impact cannot be ignored. Despite the year of production and distribution, the main goal of any product is to entertain people and gain commercial benefits (Martin & Jacobus, 2019). However, modern researchers and sociologists admit that new programs are characterized by biased or sensationalist judgments that discourage social engagement and misinform people (Rothwell, 2019). Therefore, it is important to be cautious and accept the offered material for advertising purposes. Marked influence continues to grow and promote the American style of life in many countries abroad. Video art has become a serious competitor to commercial television, offering experimental and radical ideas to please the audience (Martin & Jacobus, 2019). This sphere of art has not been properly examined yet, but its abilities are unpredictable and captivating. Although some people are confident in the television industry, it is wrong to neglect the possibility of improvement but gain a better meaning. Compared to the adolescent period, when viewers admire opportunities and discover new sources of inspiration, adulthood makes them more attentive to the significant details.

Communication with my friend and the evaluation of old and new TV shows and video art ideas turn out to be a valuable experience in understanding how people should treat television. Different in quality and distribution periods, most series are similar in their context and purposes. They aim to describe human lives, address social, economic, and political problems, and show how certain decisions lead to certain outcomes. However, even if the episodes vary, their impact on people is definite – watching, learning, and following the examples. Images and sounds have been improved regardless of the viewer’s readiness or knowledge levels. Still, how individuals accept these stories has nothing to do with technology but personal judgments and attitudes toward society.

Martin, F. D., & Jacobus, L. A. (2019). Humanities through arts (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Rothwell, J. (2019). You are what you watch? The social effects of TV. The New York Times . Web.

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"Television Influence on People." IvyPanda , 3 Apr. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/television-influence-on-people/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Television Influence on People'. 3 April.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Television Influence on People." April 3, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/television-influence-on-people/.

1. IvyPanda . "Television Influence on People." April 3, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/television-influence-on-people/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Television Influence on People." April 3, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/television-influence-on-people/.

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Television Essay

Television is very useful. There are many advantages to the development of television. It was useful in giving the average person access to a low-cost kind of entertainment. Now that televisions are so inexpensive, everybody can buy one and have access to entertainment. Additionally, it keeps us informed on the most recent world events. Here are a few sample essays on ‘television’.

Television Essay

100 Words Essay on Television

Television is one of the most recent scientific wonders which connects people to the world. Television works well as a communication and entertainment medium. We may watch live broadcasts of significant sporting events, political news and other events taking place throughout the world. This gives us a direct understanding of things, places, and events that are far away. Thus, television has brought the entire globe into the living room. Through watching television we also become knowledgeable.

Television is also another effective tool for widespread teaching. Millions of people can receive educational programmes on health care, family planning, and general knowledge via audio-visual presentation on TV.

200 Words Essay on Television

Television connects the world. In the modern world, nothing is more familiar than television. In 1925, John Baird invented it. It was introduced in India in 1959. It is truly a wonder to behold in science. Television has two functions. On one side is the radio, and on the other is a movie theatre. Radio was listened to in the past but nowadays people go to movie theatres to see movies on the big screen. In many ways, television is a very beneficial tool. It is an effective tool for both instruction and entertainment. Through television people can study and gain knowledge.

Television shows us cinema and live telecast on games and sports. On its screen we have delightful scenery of nature and thrilling sights of animals roaming in the jungles and in the deep waters of the seas. We can enjoy many shows and serials and movies. It is also a mighty medium of advertisement.

People should watch television a minimum of half an hour a day. Sometimes television has a bad effect on children because they sit the whole day in front of television and see their favourite show which is very bad for them. Television is good for professional people and bad for unprofessional people.

500 Words Essay on Television

Television is the best thing to have in house. One of the most widely used technologies for entertainment in the world today is the television. Nowadays, practically every home has a television, and it has become fairly widespread. In the beginning people didn't want to use it but now everyone wants it in their house. This was primarily due to the focus on entertainment during that time. There weren't as many educational channels as there are now. Nowadays what you see on television is because of technology.

After the invention of television, the craze attracted many people to spend all their time watching TV. Parents started considering it harmful as it attracted the kids the most. Because kids spend most of their time watching television and not studying. However, as times passed, the channels of television changed. More and more channels were broadcasted with different specialties. Thus, it gave us knowledge along with entertainment.

Benefits of Watching Television

There are many advantages to the development of television. Television gives the average person access to a low-cost kind of entertainment and knowledge about the world. Now that televisions are not so expensive, everybody can buy one and have access to entertainment.

Television keeps us informed on the most recent world events. News from various parts of the world can now be obtained from television. Similarly, television also provides instructional shows that advance our understanding of science, animals, and other topics.

People are inspired to learn new skills by television as well. Additionally, television has a number of shows that feature presentations from motivational speakers. This show encourages people to improve their skill and lifestyle. You may also argue that television increases our exposure. Television broadens our understanding of many sports, world events, and other topics.

While television comes with a lot of benefits, television also has a negative side.

Disadvantage of Watching Television

We see that television broadcasts unsuitable material that encourages various social evil acts, like violence, eve-teasing, and more. Additionally, watching television for long periods is bad for our health. Our eyesight will deteriorate if we watch television for long periods of time. Our neck and back will also be painful as a result of our bad posture while watching TV.

Television also turns people into addicts. People avoid social connection because of their TV addiction. As a result, kids spend more time alone in their rooms, which has an impact on their social life. They become vulnerable due to their addiction and take their programmes way too seriously.

My Life Experience

When I was kid I used to watch television very much which affected my studies and physical health. After that my mother gave me some valuable tips about health and told me the disadvantages of television. I reduced the hours I spent watching TV and went to play games on the ground. After some time I noticed my health getting better and my mind becoming clearer. Television is good when people watch in their limits. But when people exceed their number of hours, then it will affect their mental health and body health. Television is beneficial because it gives knowledge about all the world and shows low cost entertainment.

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Television Essay for Students and Children in 1000+ Words

Television Essay for Students and Children in 1000+ Words

In this Television Essay for Students and Children you will read its definition, origin, history, importance, advantages, disadvantages, 10 lines. We have published this essay on tv in 1000+ words.

So, lets start this essay on television…

Table of Contents

Introduction (Television Essay)

Television is the most powerful medium for the promotion of entertainment and knowledge of science . It is one of the unique, superlative and brilliant discoveries of science.

Television eradicates the tiredness of this runaway life of man, gives him mental peace, and freshens the person again, replenishing the energy to work again.

Origin and History of Television

Televisions comprise two words – Tele and Vision . Which means distant worlds or all the beautiful and bizarre pictures before the eyes?

That is why it is called Doordarshan in Hindi. Television is considered as an advanced form of the technology other than radio. A person in radio can keep himself up to date from all the news of the country and the world and can entertain him by listening to various jokes and songs broadcast in radio.

In the same way, through television, a person can increase his knowledge by watching and listening to TV along with entertainment.

Let me tell you that in the year 1925, John L. from Britain Baird used this brilliant discovery on television for the first time.

After this, in 1926, he discovered TV, while Doordarshan was broadcast for the first time in India in 1959. Initially, it was very expensive, but now it has reached every home, and now at affordable rates too.

We can purchase television as per your need. This is the reason that now the roots of television are spread all over the world and now it has become a necessity for every household.

Importance of Television

Television has a different importance for everyone. The programs aired on the cartoon channel by children are very much liked, now that the characters of these programs have replaced the cartoon characters of the comics book.

Then it is a better medium for students to learn, because now Many such educational programs are broadcast on television, by which students can increase their knowledge by learning, and it also helps them to easily understand many tough topics through television.

Television has a different significance for the youth, most of the youth enjoy the movies, TV shows etc. that are broadcast on TV, along with it, remove their mental tension by watching it.

While television has a different significance for the elders, they entertain their minds by watching television in their spare time, and move towards spirituality through religious programs aired on it.

Also read: Pros and Cons of watching television

Advantages of Television in points

The benefits and use of television are as follows-

1. Good for news & information

Television broadcasts many such news channels, which keep us updated with all the news happening in the country and the world.

Which includes news related to a particular person, small institutions, sports world, weather, criminal events, development of India and abroad, all other news including economy?

2. The most powerful medium of entertainment

Television is the best, cheapest and best means of entertainment, through television, people of all age groups can entertain themselves by watching programs according to their interest and needs.

3. Better means to increase human knowledge

Nowadays many enlightening programs are broadcast in TV channels, along with English-speaking classes are also given to children, topic wise courses of competitive exam etc. are shown, which will help children to understand many topics and they Can increase your information.

4. Helps to relieve mental stress

When a man comes home after a day’s run, watching television, forgets all his troubles and troubles for a few moments and causes him to feel fresh, and helps him to overcome his mental stress. Television is also a wonderful friend of man’s free time.

5. Can watch with family

Many sports channels are telecasted on television so that one can enjoy watching the live broadcast of sports like cricket matches , football matches , badminton etc. in the country and the world.

Apart from this, many cartoon TV channels are also broadcast for children, along with it has also emerged as a suitable medium to take the elderly to the spiritual world.

In fact, companies broadcast TV channels associated with many religions and faith , in which many religious programs are telecast. Apart from this, many programs related to agriculture are also broadcasted, so that farmers get information about the weather and how to grow good crops.

Television also has many other benefits, which humans can avail according to their needs.

Disadvantages of Television in points

Every coin has two sides, in the same way that television has, we discuss its effects below-

1. Effect on eyes

Watching TV more than necessary has an adverse effect on the eyes, which also increases the risk of human eyesight being reduced, so one should not watch TV closely.

2. TV makes diseases

People who always stick to television and sit on the same posture and watch TV, then such people are at increased risk of heart disease and hypertension.

Many people do not remember their mealtime while watching TV, because of which their food and drink becomes irregular, and they fall prey to many diseases.

Along with this, the habit of eating food while watching TV causes a person to become obese because people eat more while watching TV.

3. Wastage of time

Watching TV in free time is right, but some people cannot do their important work because of watching their favourite TV program or movie. So many students stick to the TV during the exam which is a waste of time.

4. Some TV programs have adverse effects on children

Channels broadcasts many such films and television programs on television, which has a terrible effect on the brain of children and promotes criminal activities. Along with this, they show some such advertisements which are not suitable for children at all.

10 Lines about Television

  • Television is one of the most popular devices used for entertainment worldwide.
  • If you spend hours in front of the television, your eyesight will become weak. your
  • Television was invented in 1926 by John L. Baird, a Scottish scientist.
  • But later, colour television started being replaced by black-white television.
  • Television is one of the greatest inventions of mankind.
  • The world’s first electronic television was invented in 1927 by a 21-year-old inventor – Philo Taylor Farnsworth.
  • Television offers various other non-formal education programs that increase your overall knowledge on issues other than the subject.
  • Television is a boon for humanity.
  • Uncontrolled display of violent and corrupt programs makes the youth a victim of egoistic, violent and corrupt conduct.
  • These days, under the influence of television, many youths are committing bullying, smoking, alcohol consumption, other corrupt practices .

Through television, we can easily get information of every field, along with programs related to the culture and tradition of any country. They can make people aware and also help in guiding people right through it.

It is found that the development of television as a big industry has also encouraged the economy of the country and new employment options have been created, it has many benefits, but it should be viewed according to its needs, otherwise it leads to bad health effect.

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Essay on Television for Students in English | 500+ Words Essay

December 10, 2020 by Sandeep

Essay on Television: Television is a device that enables us to watch our favourite movies and shows. This audio-visual component was invented in 1926. A Scottish scientist named J.L. Baird invented the colour television. Television plays a major role in our lives. It is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment in our home. With its help, we get information regarding all the corners of the world. Various television sets like CRT, LCD, LED, and OLED are nowadays available to us. The latest versions of smart televisions can access multiple shows via the internet. The television industry in India is vast, containing more than 850 channels.

Below we have provided an essay on television for class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 school students, written in easy and simple words.

Essay on Television in English 500 Words

Please find below extended essay on Television, suitable for class 7, 8, 9 and 10 students.

“Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organizing our curiosity” ~ Tim Minchin

The contribution of science towards our society is marvellous. It has truly helped us discover a lot of beautiful things in this world. Science has made our lives all the more comfortable and peaceful. Out of all the significant inventions in the scientific field, television is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating ones. It has revolutionized the way we live today. People have incorporated it as part and parcel of their lives.

Television encompasses a variety of things which is accessible to the customers. Starting from movies to music videos, television has both informative and educative properties to it. The onset of wireless sparked the experiments for creating a product like television. It was finally developed by a Scottish scientist named J.L Baird in the year 1926.

The very first center for television in India was established in the year 1951. However, it took a while to initiate the public broadcast successfully. The original television which was promoted in our country was a black & white version. Eventually, it was replaced by the colour television, and its promotion escalated since 1982.

Television as a word originates from Ancient Greek. It comprises of two words “tele” meaning far and “vision” meaning sight. Some of the frequently used acronyms for television include telly, TV, tube, etc. Throughout these years, many variants of this product have been manufactured. Nowadays, TV comes in a variety of features, sizes, and price ranges. However, some of its predominant characteristics include:

  • It is an audio-visual medium which means a typical TV has both sound and sight.
  • TV is a platform that incorporates multiple forms of media.
  • It is a highly credible mass communication medium that has connected the entire world in a big loop.
  • It has influenced us by widening our ability to perceive.
  • TV is known as a magic box because of its ability to fascinate millions of people.
  • The shows which TV exhibits such as glamour, popular personalities, and fashion attract a huge target audience.
  • TV is something that brings a family together.
  • It is a crucial platform for advertising. Businessmen rely on TV to reach a greater audience and hike their sales.
  • Most of all, it is an important medium for reporting information regarding the latest events.

The importance of television cannot be undermined. TV is an incredible source of information for the common man. Moreover, it is a great tool for learning especially for children. It covers numerous aspects of our daily life. These include current happenings, sports, weather reports, information regarding a certain crime, and most of all, entertainment. Enjoying the liberty of staying home and procuring all this valuable information is possible because of the television.

On top of that, it provides us with the option of shifting from one channel to another. Besides, TV has always been a great platform to develop our vocabulary skills. Programs which offer motivational content helps us evolve as an individual. Television widens the mental horizon and drives us towards acquiring more knowledge and wisdom. The right choice of programs can also help us explore different cultures. Though TV has many advantages, it has its fair share of disadvantages as well. Some of the negative impacts of television include:

  • People watching TV for too long are prone to vision-related issues.
  • TV curbs physical activity and is one of the reasons for obesity amongst kids.
  • TV owes to the lack of efficient social interaction.
  • It affects our cognitive abilities and behaviour.
  • It can corrupt the mindset of the children.

Television is a remarkable discovery in our contemporary world. It has shaped our lives and improved our standard of living. We must be responsible enough to use this gadget in moderation.

Short Essay on Television in English 200 Words

Below we have provided a Television Essay in English, suitable for class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 school students.

“Television is the triumph of machine over people” ~ Fred Allen

Synonymous with this remarkable quote, television is indeed one of the most prominent mediums of entertainment in the entire world. It has become the new standard in life. Every household has at least one set of television, if not multiple. Television is a telecommunication medium that is used for transmission of moving images in colour or black & white. It is one of the significant inventions of this era. The onset of television was as popular as the radio.

Gone are the days, when people used to refer to it as the “idiot box”. The new generation television sets are packed with innovative features. TV is not just concentrated on entertainment anymore. It has widened into different areas like providing informative content for both kids and adults. Moreover, it enables us to stay updated with the latest happenings of our day to day lives. One can procure news related to a distant area of the world through the TV.

Student Essays

Essays on Television, Advantages & Disadvantages for Life

Essay On Television | Importance, Advantages & Disadvantages

Television is an important part of our society. It has the great impact in our social, educational cultural life. Along with newspapers, computers, the TV channels are important medium of communication and development.

Read Essays on Television, importance, advantages and Disadvantages with introduction, conclusion and short points for students. The topic about Television includes essay on television for class 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10th level students.

The Television; Importance, Advantages & Disadvantages | Essays  & Paragraphs For Children & Students

The Television is an important and most critical part of our lives. It keeps us connected to the world out of our sight. The Television plays a vital role in our personal and public lives. Along with its benefits that it offers, the TV has a lot of disadvantages as well. The following write ups describe meaning role, importance, advantages & disadvantages for children & students.

Essay on Television, Advantages and Disadvantages

The Television is the most common and the cheapest mode of media in use. It broadcasts the current affairs of the world. It communicates all the happenings around the world through television.

Television is not only a source of receiving daily updates about worldwide but it is a good source of entertainment too. It means that Television helps us to get updated about the daily happenings throughout the world.

Advantages of Television

Television broadcasts innumerable educational programs that help students to improve their knowledge. Specially the programs regarding science and technology are a big asset to students to improve their studies. The instructive and learning programs are on aired through TV that provide the productive study material for students.

Inducing learning and motivating people through television is also helpful to excel in all fields of life. There are some television channels that are solely created to instruct and educate. Through television we learn about the history of the world, about the ancient civilizations and other historical facts.

Women at home are entirely dependent on Television as it is their best companion in free time. Many drama serials are broadcasted through television that help women to kill their leisure time at home. Not only this, but they can learn from productive teaching programs like cooking, sewing, home business ideas etc.

Many animated programs and cartoon channels are broadcasted, especially for children. All the programs for kids are very informative that help kids learn moral lessons and other things easily. On the whole television is also considered as a big stress buster for all people who are on the work whole the day long.  When they return their homes they occupy their self in watching various channels.  They can watch funny programs and listen songs that give them a great relief.

Television is a source of entertainment. Adults watch sports channels and enjoy watching live games. There are some programs dedicated to create disease awareness and prevention. Television facilitates bonding both at family and at the international levels.

Sitting with family members and watching television is a bonding time among members of a family. Television also help increase creativity. People can find new ways of solving problems of life.

Some religious programs are also broadcasted to teach religion and help improve living standard of a family. Religious programs are not only liked by people but people adopt religious teachings to lead a good life.

Disadvantages of Television

As we know that along with good and productive content there is illicit content on Television. It adversely affects the character and lifestyle of a person. Vulgarity, foul language, nudity and grotesque imagery are very bad content. It  has left very bad impacts on New generation.

It is commonly observed nowadays that teenagers are excessively using foul language. They are seen while participating in violent showdowns and copying what they see in movies and wrestling. Spending more and more time watching television for hours,  causes serious health hazards among people like obesity and other health complications.

It also interferes with the sleep cycle of the viewers. People often waste productive sleep hours watching television. Finally these poor sleeping practices cause depression, headache and several other illnesses. Addiction of Television also affects social interactions. It can ruins relationships.

Watching television in excess is a wastage of time. Our most of the time is consumed in television. It disturbs our working commitments. It has been observed, specially among students, that they waste their precious time in  television. They do not give proper time to their studies that at last affect their academic progress.

We are bombarded with hundreds of advertisements each day. And eventually we become connected with the items advertised. We start using and wearing whatever we see on television. In this way we destroy our natural instincts and get fabricated with television.

2. Paragraph on Importance of Television

Television is an electronic device with screen that deliver us information in the form of graphic shapes with the help of broadcasting signals. It kicks our boredom and makes us fresh and entertains us.

Television plays a vital role in carrying news and information across the world. Since it’s invention in 1927 it has remained an important part of our life. News channels like CNN, BBC etc keep us updated. With the help of TV we are aware of what happens in the world.

Television help in learning a lot of things. Many programs of television help us know our past. It informs us all about the rich civilizations of world. The historical sketch is provided in order to teach to live in a good way.

Apart from it, the television is our best companion when we are lonely at home.  Women at home, not only spend free time watching television but they also learn how to cook different recipes of food around the world. Women learn and cook new dishes and enjoy eating with family members.

The Television keeps us connected with the world. It also helps raising the capacity of mind. It teaches a lot of ways to solve our day to day problems. The TV facilitates creativity. Quite often, it  is observed that people who watch informational channels on television have more facts and concepts compared to those who do not watch TV.

The TV on airs different programs. Some programs of Television motivate people to pursue their dreams through motivational videos and inspirational speeches from successful individuals in various fields. It also has some health benefits.

Laughter therapy is found greatly on television. When we watch comedies and hilarious programs they keeps us laughing and happy because laughter is the best medicine . The importance of TV can be understood from the fact that nowadays it is used a medium to spread spiritual and religious messages as well.  It assist those people who are in need of spiritual nourishment. The TV occupies an important place in our lives.

We can not help live without television. The TV help us aware of the happenings all around the world.  It entertains us and enriches our minds with creativity. It helps kids learn a lot at home. All programs are broadcasted in order to benefit humanity.

Short Speech On Television & Its Importance for Students

Good Morning to all, today I will talk about the an electronic device which is found in every house. It has become an instrument of entertainment and fun at home. This electronic device has taken a good place in the family system.

Television has become like a family member. There would be hardly any home in which the television is not found. Therefore, the TV as an essential entity has many advantages as well disadvantages.

If we will start counting its merits we will come to know that it is a blessing.  As it is the best medium of information.  There are many channels on TV who release informative programs.

The availability of TV at home makes a man updated. The TV makes us know whatever good or bad is happening right now around the world. Many informative programs are on aired dedicated for children only. Different channels play cartoons programs to entertain and aware at home. TV is an affordable and easy mode of entertainment for families to provide to their kids.

Television is the best source of knowledge too. It is good source of the growth of mind. It enables us to differentiate between the right and wrong. The knowledge related to different issues help men to lead a good life.

On the other hand this electronic device is a bane. It corrupts the mindset of youth.There are some TV programs, shows, movies and songs that impact the moral standing of our youth. A lot of inappropriate and vulgar content is propagated through this device. The young generation is trying to adopt those inappropriate contents in their practical life that ultimately destroys the life.

It has affected our health too.  Watching television excessively cause pain in our spine and affects our eyes. The addiction of Television breaks social interactions and makes men bound to four walls of room.

The students waste their precious time watching television for long hours. Instead of studying on time they spend their valuable time watching useless shows and movies.

Hence television is both good and bad electronic device. Though watching television in leisure time is productive one but the excess of it very baneful for our routine life.  However, listening news and watching live games on television is the best use of free time.

The parents must have an eye on their kids when they watch television. Kids, sometimes, start watching programs and movies that promote bad content which affect their character and personality.

Most of the social evils are the product of these electronic devices. The youth start reacting what they watch on television. Often, it has been seen that they adopt vulgar content of different stars.

Therefore, the TV is a dual edged sword. Since its a useful entity an we can’t ignore it entirely. For that, we need to use it with maximum care, and discipline for gaining an added value and benefits for our life.

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Essay on Television

Essay on Television | Television Essay for Students and Children in English

Essay on Television: Television must be among the most popular inventions of modem science. In the last few years, there has been a huge growth in its popularity. It is a good source of entertainment and information and caters to the interests of all family members.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Short Essay on Television 200 Words for Kids and Students in English

Below we have given a short essay on Television is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

Today, television is one of the largest sources of entertainment for the masses. A few years ago, there were only one or two channels that were available to us. But now there are more than 150 channels and that offer more than a dozen programmes every day.

After the 1982 Asian Games, held in New Delhi, with the entry of colour TV, TV viewing has become even more interesting. Gradually, TV has replaced cinema and radio as the main sources of entertainment.

Like the computer, TV is another very powerful medium of distance learning. Besides, there are many special transmissions for school and college students. This makes learning a little easier and more interesting.

Essay on Television

Just as it has many benefits, there are some disadvantages also. Many times, children start neglecting their studies because of TV programmes. It should be watched in moderation and should not be allowed to become a bad habit.

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Uses Of Television (Essay Sample)

Uses of television.

Technology and information often go hand in hand. The advancement and sophistication of humanity through the ages has been marked by the ease and innovation of the communication sector. In the current age, or the age of information and technological explosion, various aspects can be taken as part and parcel of the whole. There has been a tremendous growth of the internet and hence social media, which has come in to flank the traditional media streams. However, the television has retained its importance even in the current age. It has very many uses as is going to be seen shortly.

Televisions have huge benefits as well as uses. Television is an informative device in that it allows the broadcast of news both at local and global levels to ensure that all individuals are kept updated. The information from such broadcasts is very significant as one cannot be able to know all the current affairs and thus televisions make it easy for people to keep on top of day to day activities. It is therefore used as a media of communication, disseminating information to millions of viewers. The current television coverage has been made even much more efficient as a result of the ability to relay information to all corners of the planet through satellite. This ensures that news reaches people even in real time.

Television is used as an educational device as it present educational programs to the watchers which are nice channels to learn from. Children can learn important values about themselves and life, from the various programs that they view on television. Religious television channels also help in teaching of spirituality amongst its faithful. This therefore constitutes an important educative media.

Television also makes it easy for a family to bond when they come together to watch specific programs or movies. Television also allows individuals learn various cultures as it employs people from different cultures within their programs. Most people think that television shows or movies are only dramatic or about comedy. However, television airs complex shows that require a lot of intelligence to understand, and this could boost a person’s intelligence. Television also teaches individuals how to do things, for instance, cooking procedures or how to conduct professional physical exercises.

Watching television is also a source of entertainment for example, it brings music, musicians and actors to us, and this makes us enjoy and ease boredom in our free time and makes people enjoy watching their favorite shows. Most of the shows aired on televisions require someone to remember day or week plots and this boost an individual’s memory. Regardless of the weather patterns, an individual can be able to watch television all through, and this ensures that they are well informed about all the occurrences that affect our daily lives, for instance, the political and economic affairs.

Television helps promote national unity as well as integration. By embracing the values of nationhood and harmony, TV helps citizens value and love their nation. With the rising population and increased diversity, there is always an underlying need for a call for national unity, since diversity breeds new views and perceptions. Television also helps determine lifestyle. It is a symbol of economic growth and continuity, since there is

The TV, as noted therefore, is an important tool for every generation, be it young or old. It helps determine and uphold the basic values of people. It is also an important communication medium. People should, therefore, watch television shows and programs to boost their knowledge and improve their character.

essay on television and its uses

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Essay On Television – 10 Lines, Short And Long Essay For Children

Shraddha Mishra

Key Points To Remember When Writing Essay On Television For Lower Primary Classes

10 lines on the television for kids, a paragraph on the television for children, short essay on the television in 200 words for kids, long essay on the television for kids, what will your child learn from these essays.

Before the birth of the internet, television was the most popular mass media globally. An essay on television has been a popular topic for writing articles. Children must know what a television is to write an essay on this device. This device was once a window into the world. It has slowly taken a back seat with the introduction of mobile phones. In this essay on television for classes 1, 2, & 3, we will discuss how to write about this device.

Here are important tips on how to write an essay on the television:

  • Gather facts on the television, such as its history, working mechanism, and advancements made.
  • Keep the essay informative and relatable to the general reader.
  • Add introductory and concluding lines to long-form essays.
  • Avoid stuffing the essay with technical information unless it is required.

One-line essays are easy for children as an introduction to writing. Below is an essay for classes 1 and 2 on television:

  • Television is one of the most popular sources of entertainment and information about the world.
  • The word television comes from the ancient Greek word “tele”, meaning far and the Latin word “visio”, which means sight.
  • TV was coined as a short form for television in 1948.
  • Television in the old days used CRT monitors. Modern televisions use LED or LCDs.
  • John Logie Baird invented the colour television in 1937.
  • Old televisions operated on simple antennas or cable networks.
  • Modern televisions are smart and very similar to mobile phones.
  • Televisions have been a source of endless entertainment for people for decades.
  • Television has both advantages and disadvantages.
  • As per the BARC report, 6.9% more Indian households owned a TV between 2018-2020.

Essays take practice to perfect. Here is an example of how to write a paragraph about the television:

Entertainment is a necessity in everyone’s life. Ever since the invention of the TV by John Logie Baird in 1926, people slowly realized its potential to act as mass media. The television revolutionized entertainment by creating a whole industry around it in the form of movies, game shows, series and documentaries. It is loved by adults and children alike as it has become a window to the world. People have been glued to their television sets, watching one show after another. It has become a centrepiece in everybody’s life. But, television watchers have declined since the introduction of computers, mobile phones and the internet. However, it continues to be relevant in the modern era.

A short essay is a great place to start learning essay writing. Here is an essay for classes 1, 2 and 3 on the television:

When it comes to inventions that have had the most impact on modern civilization, the television has earned a spot at the top of the list. While many people demonstrated a device that could display pictures, John Logie Baird came up with coloured television in 1937 that became popular. The device consisted of a cathode-ray tube and a screen that could project images and audio. For a long time, television was black and white in most people’s homes, and they had one or two channels that were a popular source of news and entertainment.

Once cable TV started worldwide, the entertainment industry moved to television production. Reality shows, movies and 24 hours news became a thing that began shaping the world and how people spent their time. Before the invention of the personal computer, the TV was also part of the gaming industry as a display unit. Most children had gaming consoles that displayed graphics on the TV.

Television has gone through major changes in the last few decades, and entertainment has mostly diversified into the internet, with the TV taking a back seat. However, it continues to be one of the most trusted and viewed mass media devices globally.

Short paragraph writing needs to be practised before children can take on the task of writing the long ones. Here is an example essay on television for class 3:

The television is one of the most popular and loved inventions in the world. This device is not only a source of news and entertainment but also a window to the world. Almost a century ago, television’s invention revolutionized the entertainment sector and how people viewed the world.

In 1926, John Logie Baird demonstrated the first television as we know it now and later developed the colour television. People from the older generations would recall that televisions looked nothing like what they do now. They were mostly made of a huge wooden box that contained a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) connected to a glass screen.

Colour televisions were harder to find, especially in developing countries, until the 1990s. Thanks to technology becoming cheaper, it was widely seen in most houses by the early 2000s. The flat-screen TV, which started becoming popular during the 2000s, had better picture quality, and some even had inbuilt games. By the decade’s end, the LCD and LED display screens replaced CRT television sets, and television became slimmer and more energy-efficient. Fast forward to the 2020s, televisions are smarter with internet connectivity and new features.

Throughout history, television viewers have mixed sentiments regarding its influence on people. Some thought of it as a wonderful source of information and connectivity, while many saw it as a distraction that wasted students’ time. Regardless of people’s opinions, the effect television has on the modern world cannot be overstated, and it continues to be a favourite window to the world for most people.

History Of Television

The history of television can be traced back to the 1800s. Before the invention of electronic television, mechanical televisions existed to scan an image and transmit it to a screen. John Logie Baird demonstrated his mechanical television in 1926, and it would take ten more years before the commercial production of televisions. Philo Farnsworth demonstrated the first successful electronic television in 1927. India first saw television as an experiment on 15th September 1959.

Advantages Of Watching Television

Here are some benefits of watching television:

  • Source Of Knowledge:  News channels and educational programs on television are excellent sources of information on events worldwide, science and technology. Educational programs on television also help people learn new things.
  • Entertainment:  Television is the most inexpensive source of entertainment for people, and it gives them the option to choose from entertainment such as music, movies, documentaries and reality shows.
  • It Is Motivational:  Television gives people new ideas and informs them about what goes on. Many people are motivated by what they see on television and go on to make inventions and discoveries.

Disadvantages Of Watching Television

Some disadvantages of television:

  • It Is Addictive:  Television’s endless shows can be addictive to many, and it can make people waste time when they binge-watch.
  • Fake Information:  Television channels often create content with a plan, and people can also misuse them as a tool to spread false information.
  • Inappropriate Content:  Televisions give little control over the type of content children watch when parents are not around, which can sometimes be harmful.

The essays above are examples of different formats children are asked to write in schools. They can gain information on the subject and learn how to write their composition on television.

1. Who Invented The First Television and In Which Year?

John Logie Baird demonstrated the first television in the year 1926.

2. What Was The First Colour TV Called?

The first television was called the RCA CT-100.

Television is one of the most loved inventions of humanity. Over a century since its invention, it has undergone numerous changes to become a sophisticated device today.

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  • Essay On Advantages And Disadvantages Of Television

Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Television

500+ words essay on advantages and disadvantages of television.

In today’s world, communication is a crucial aspect of life. Technological advancements made communication more accessible and cheaper. Among all the communication devices such as smartphones, radios, and emails, television is the prominent and common medium for communication. We get to see television in every household. It is an integral part of our society that significantly impacts our social, educational, and cultural life. It reaches a mass audience and provides information about the daily happenings in the world. Furthermore, it is a common source of entertainment among family members.

John Logie Baird invented the television in the 1920s. The word “tele” means distance, and “vision” means to see, which means to watch it from a distance. When television was invented, it showed only pictures of low resolution. But, later on, televisions were modified with the latest technologies. Televisions that we purchase today come with multiple features. We can connect our phone, laptop, tab, and internet access various online apps, HD/UHD quality pictures, 4k-8k resolutions, etc.

We can also watch various educational channels on television. It also keeps us updated by providing news about the world through different news channels. Along with information, it also entertains us with movies, serials, dramas, reality shows, music channels, yoga channels, etc.

So, having a television at home seems to be a great advantage, but the disadvantages are also threatening. The time it consumes from our day-to-day life is more. You can see people going out of routine or postponing schedules if they become addicted to watching television.

Here, in the essay, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of watching television.

Advantages of Television

Television comes with enormous advantages. The most important is it gives us information about current affairs and events across the globe. This information is broadcasted through various news channels, which helps us to keep ourselves updated about recent happenings. It also shares information about multiple programmes or facilities launched by the government. The government also take the help of news channels to communicate with the mass.

We can watch daily soaps, reality shows, music channels, movies, etc. We can also watch food channels and try out recipes at home. During the morning time, if you switch on the television, you will get to watch telemarketing ads. Specific channels broadcast only ads for multiple products, and people can also buy them.

Children can watch various cartoons on the television. Some cartoons teach children about moral values and lessons. It also keeps us informed about the economic condition and the stock market. We also get to watch various fashion shows and keep updated about the latest trends on television.

Earlier, television was costly, but now it comes at an affordable price with multiple features. Now, we get the option to subscribe to our favourite channels and only need to pay for those channels. Educational programmes are also available on television. We can also watch live cricket shows and cheer for our country. Television also telecasts interviews of various political leaders, celebrities, influencers, famous personalities, etc. We can also gain knowledge by watching various quiz programmes.

Television provides opportunities to spend time with our family and friends. We can enjoy watching a movie together. Various channels telecast comedy shows that help us keep positivity in our lives. We also watch movies in different regional languages like Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, etc. It helps us connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

Nowadays, we can also play games on the television and watch agricultural programmes specially designed for the farmers. It promotes national integration.

Disadvantages of Television

There are advantages of watching television, but it also comes with disadvantages. Watching too much TV affects our mental and physical health. When we watch television continuously, it affects our eyes and makes us lazy. Even there are some programmes which are not suitable for kids. We even compromise our sleep to watch TV. Children lose their concentration on their studies by watching too much television. Children prefer to watch TV over reading books to spend their leisure time.

Conclusion of Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Television

There are advantages and disadvantages of television. If television is helpful, it is harmful too. One should not watch television excessively.

We hope you found this essay on the advantages and disadvantages of television helpful. Check BYJU’S for more such CBSE Essays on different topics. You can also find CBSE study materials and resources for Classes 1 to 12.

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How the Language of TV is Influencing How We See Ourselves

TikTok has spawned a curious new way of understanding ordinary life: villain arcs, main character energy and seasons.

An illustrated collage of a script with someone’s hands framing it.

By Kim Hew-Low

Last summer, I was struck by a video I came across on TikTok. In it, a 20-something flops faceup onto her bed. Her roots are grown out, her eyeliner is heavy and her gaze, vaguely forlorn, is intensified by a key light tinted blue. Her hand gropes around the adjacent night stand to silence her vibrating phone. Then the Netflix logo flashes, followed by a credit line: “A life written and directed by Beatrice Harrods.” A stop-motion sequence follows the passage of time: a vase of chrysanthemums, then roses; one candle, then another; an unfurling rug and the text “Season 2.” Cut back to Harrods: Her roots are touched up, and her gaze, now pointed at the camera, seems to relish being watched.

You see a lot of this on TikTok now: videos that describe ordinary life using the language of television. Scroll through, and you’ll find users charting the different “seasons” of their lives or highlighting the emergence of plot “arcs.” You may find users referring to the people in their lives as “casts” — including both passing encounters with “paid extras” and recurring appearances by “guest stars.” A friend’s unexpected appearance might be tagged “NOO! Ur not in this episode” or described, as one user had it, as the moment “when someone from Season 2 of my life somehow crosses over into Season 4.”

There is a certain permeability between art and life, and pleasure in perceiving it: We take satisfaction in recognizing our lives in onscreen plot lines, as we thrill to real-life moments that feel “just like a movie.” But TikTok’s video-based format has wildly amplified the impulse to collapse the distance between the two and imagine yourself as an onscreen character. The app’s tools make it easy for people to film and edit footage of themselves, narrating their own stories in breezy narrative beats — making life look like an episode of television. The result is a perfect ecosystem for watching and being watched, where once-passive audiences are encouraged to see themselves as the writers, directors and stars of their own motion pictures.

Perhaps there is therapeutic value in conceptualizing your life as a coherent story — one you can not only analyze but direct. One key piece of televisual jargon that has thrived online feels especially suited to this purpose. The “canon event” describes a crucial, sometimes traumatic occurrence that activates or shapes a person’s character. This kind of thinking may be related to therapy, but it has since been extrapolated wholesale into Hollywood tropes. Last year, the popularity of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” — with its talk of critical “canon events” shaping the lives of heroes — inspired TikTok users to embrace the term. But in the transition from big to palm-size screen, the idea became a deadpan punchline, identifying not superheroic origin stories but the formative trials of ordinary youth. One video applied the term to “every teenage girl getting into her first situationship with a medium ugly guy that bears a striking resemblance to the rat from Flushed Away.”

The challenge, for a narcissist, is to realize that we are all our own protagonists.

There’s a related genre of video that encourages viewers to use the visual language of TV to romanticize their lives. This often involves footage of quotidian activities — waiting for the subway, restocking a fridge, pouring a beverage — elevated through production techniques: flattering close-ups, curated props, the amateur’s equivalent of dedicated hair, wardrobe and makeup departments. By reframing mundane activities as the well-lit choreography of a story’s protagonist, these videos render the everyday with a kind of glamour and gravity. If all the world is now a set, “main characters” like these are rewarded by the attention economy — a fact that has inspired some users to turn “main-character energy” into something like a life philosophy. One woman, in the first of 22 “episodes” dedicated to proselytizing her “seasons theory” on TikTok, described how she improved “Season 3” of her life by asking herself what Serena van der Woodsen and Carrie Bradshaw would do. (Those main characters, of “Gossip Girl” and “Sex and the City,” narrativized their own lives for a blog and a newspaper column.)

It’s one thing to “romanticize” a day of remote work, as one TikTok user did, in an attempt to “become the main character” of her life. (She sought out a cafe that called to mind Central Perk and Luke’s Diner, fictional settings from “Friends” and “Gilmore Girls.”) But in other videos, users have expressed how certain types of narcissistic, self-dramatizing behavior — habits that were eventually branded “main-character syndrome” — have impoverished their friendships. Even the remedies people suggested for this pathology were formulated within the same televisual framework. In a conversation with the comedian Catherine Cohen, who described the fixation on “main-character energy” as “deranged,” the podcaster Hannah Berner proposed: “Let’s normalize sometimes being like, This season I’m in the back.”

The challenge, for a narcissist, is to realize that we are all our own protagonists — that any delusions we harbor about being the center of the story must be squared with a shared reality in which no one is. This is, broadly speaking, one of the core developmental processes that mark maturation into adulthood. There was a time when conventional wisdom defined an ideal state of adulthood as one of having shed all illusions of one’s centrality. But the psychoanalyst D.W. Winnicott challenged this notion in his 1971 book, “Playing and Reality”: People needn’t shed their illusions, he argued, only learn how to hold them in coexistence with wider reality, recognizing their own subjectivity for what it is. He suggested that, for children, playing with “transitional objects” could facilitate this process, by mediating inner and outer realities — a teddy bear, for instance, can be inanimate but simultaneously alive, a sewn-together object that also thinks and feels.

Scrolling past TikTok videos of “main characters” scrutinizing their “casts” for upcoming “seasons,” I often wonder if I am looking at a kind of transitional object. Life in the offscreen world rarely supplies its own narrative meaning; its messiness and mundanity don’t conform to the neat arcs produced by writers’ rooms. But the younger users coming of age on social media have encountered the world through an astonishing deluge of content in which life, mediated by narrative tropes, produces meaning that is legible by design. If maturation requires bridging these illusions with the formlessness of reality, then self-narrativization may be a kind of intermediary. In the same way that a child, playing with a teddy bear, learns how her imagination relates to the external world, users reconcile similar incongruities by telling the stories of their lives on TikTok. They combine the cinematic with the everyday, their centrality with their marginality, meaning with a lack thereof.

At some point I came across a video that opened, predictably, with a close-up of its young creator’s face. Seated in a mall food court, she raised a piece of sushi to her mouth but was suddenly struck by the scene around her. The camera, cast outward, flashed clips of strangers — one staring at a laptop, another pushing a shopping cart — under the text: “when ur out in public and you remember that everyone is their own main character.” In the caption, the user added: “like damn, my frontal lobe feels developed.”

Source photographs for illustration above: Grant Faint/Getty Images; Aleksandra Pikalova/Getty Images; Oliver Rossi/Getty Images; Guzel/Getty Images.

Kim Hew-Low is an Australian writer living in Brooklyn.

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    However, the television has retained its importance even in the current age. It has very many uses as is going to be seen shortly. Televisions have huge benefits as well as uses. Television is an informative device in that it allows the broadcast of news both at local and global levels to ensure that all individuals are kept updated.

  22. Essay On Television

    10 Lines On The Television For Kids. One-line essays are easy for children as an introduction to writing. Below is an essay for classes 1 and 2 on television: ADVERTISEMENTS. Television is one of the most popular sources of entertainment and information about the world. The word television comes from the ancient Greek word "tele", meaning ...

  23. Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Television for Students

    Disadvantages of Television. There are advantages of watching television, but it also comes with disadvantages. Watching too much TV affects our mental and physical health. When we watch television continuously, it affects our eyes and makes us lazy. Even there are some programmes which are not suitable for kids.

  24. How the Language of TV is Influencing How We See Ourselves

    TikTok has spawned a curious new way of understanding ordinary life: villain arcs, main character energy and seasons. By Kim Hew-Low Last summer, I was struck by a video I came across on TikTok ...