Television is the mirror of life. It represents life as it really is. There is very little scope of manipulating the originality. It is today’s one of the prime media which can be used as a medium of learning for the mass in general Various programmes are telecast in order to generate an awareness among the people relating to health and hygiene, nutrition, family planning and spread of harmful diseases.

Through these programmes, common people come to know about spread and prevention of diseases like AIDS, cancer and about the facts and myths about them. Through television people get glimpses of culture, lifestyle, places of interest within the country as well as abroad. This has given rise to the concept of global village and has reduced cultural distance.

Another aspect of television is the news that we get of different places far and near. It substantiates the news along with live pictures which act as a testimony to it.

It helps in bringing the naked truth in front of the viewers in broad daylight. Again, television acts as a medium of expressing public opinion. Through public polls and interviews common men can express their views about the burning issues. As far as entertainment is concerned, television’ contribution cannot be ignored. After a hard day’s work, the movies or daily soaps can be refreshing.

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The other side of the coin is grim and alarming. Television is now a day; flooded with channels that telecast distasteful programmes opposing public interest. Since almost every programme is sponsored by one or the other business house, television has become their bill-board that advertises mostly luxury items.

It has turned to be the cradle for consumerism. Excessive televiewing can tell upon the eyesight as well as health in general. Long hours of watching television affect the eyesight to a large extent. It is found to be a major reason behind growing obesity among teenagers who spend hours before the television and eating. But the beneficial aspects of television cannot be ignored. The only way out is to be a little more selective about the programmes we must watch.