World Television Day – TISB Media Club

Television is still the largest source of video consumption today. Over decades screen size and platforms have changed, along with producers of content that have widened. Television broadcasting offers both risks and potential for the development of democratic and healthy societies. On Sunday, 21 November, is the World Television Day, established by the UN in 1996. We reached out to the TISB Media Club to find out more about the club and negative and positive aspects of media and screen time.  

There are many amazing things about media and joining the club would help everyone appreciate them – Anandita, Grade 10, leader of TISB Media Club 

The World Television Day does not celebrate TV as a tool, but the philosophy that it represents: a symbol for communication and globalization. However, what is communicated and how that impacts people is not straight forward. Anandita, leader of TISB Media Club, sees potential dangers, especially youth who may be isolated by immersing themselves online and missing human interaction. “Firstly, you do not directly connect with the community around you, but you may also be harming yourself by going into politically radical spaces and being imbued with harmful ideas through films and shows”, says Anandita, who also warns for negative impact on mental health and self-esteem, as well as eyesight and physical fitness. 

Anandita was inspired to start the TISB Media Club by YouTube channels and blogs online, which dissect movies and films from the feminist and male perspectives, and analysing recurring tropes, plot lines and overall themes and ideas. “As anyone from my generation, I spend a lot of time online and offline conversing with friends about our favourite books, shows, and movies”, says Anandita, who came to realise how what we see on-screen shape who we are in real-life. “I wanted to create a space where students could explore the intersection of media and social issues, as young people are the future and are often impassioned about socio-political beliefs, and I really think it is worthwhile to deconstruct those beliefs through dissecting the stories we love.” 

The Media Club is aimed at students ages 12-17, and the club wants to bring fresh student perspectives to literary and film analysis. By joining, students gain analytical skills and learn about a range of topics. “It is, of course, a place to simply hang out with friends and talk about everything from Marvel to Shakespeare”, says Anandita, who encourages us to think about media critically, focusing on takeaways and social messages. She gives an example from the last meeting: "We had presentations by members about topics ranging from Star Wars to Charlie Chaplin, and ended the session with a very thought-provoking discussion on whether it is ethical to use real-life events for inspiration, as the question of historical accuracy vs. melodrama arises.” 

Anandita believes that media, especially that on screens, has the power to reach out to human hearts, and bring out feelings and emotions. “Oftentimes, seeing representation or your own struggles on-screen or in a book can also help you validate your feelings and help raise awareness on social issues like classism, sexism, racism, etc.”, explains Anandita, who believes it is also a way to bring communities and people from across the world together. “Analysing fan culture is an important part of the club as it is one of the main things that makes media so powerful and uplifting.” 

The TISB Media Club takes place from 4:00pm to 5:00pm every alternate Monday. To learn more about the club or joining, contact Anandita or Ms Prerna, and for future information follow the TISB Media Club on Instagram. For more inspiration, watch the UN short video What Is TV Anymore? - World Television Day (21 November) about the history and development of television.