The hidden power of TV that can change the world.

TV has moved into disruptive age, everyone knows this.

Linear TV ratings are generally decreasing and video on demand (VOD) is exponentially increasing. New, young generations (the ones classified with letters of the alphabet that have recently ran out: Y, Z, alpha and so on) don't even understand what the habit of regularly watching linear TV routinely is all about. "Tuning in" is not a thing for them - and it probably never will be.

While this is obvious and somewhat ‘superficial’ to those of us who work in the TV industry, this ‘disruption’ has not weakened the hidden power TV contains. Television has indeed the power to influence people and inspire them to do good. TV content can have the power to motivate people to do more in their lives and in their community, or to even find one if they feel alone in the world.

Before working in the TV industry, I was lucky enough to spend over 13 years learning from great minds in one of the most globally recognised not for profit brands, WWF. I spent years working on the most varied social awareness campaigns, trying to find the right balance between inspiration and action. Along the way we made lots of mistakes and lots of successes too.

Over time, I observed that one thing was consistent in all of this; the use of TV as a media of awareness dramatically increased the chances of achieving great results in terms of social change.

Since taking a leap to a completely different industry, I found myself being asked a recurring question: "Why on Earth did you leave the charity sector?". This was often followed by an assumption hidden behind a question mark: "Do you regret it?".

The honest answer is no, I don't and I never have. And here is why. Or I should probably say - ‘who’.

Leslie, Jim and Rasheeta.

Three people, three TV viewers and three stories across the UK. They are just three of the many who have been inspired by Together TV.

I invite you to watch the video below - it's less than 5 minutes. I won't tell you their stories myself, as there is nothing better than hearing from them directly how a certain kind of TV has changed their lives.

So, I might be in a different industry but the reality is that this is, for me, the best way to make a meaningful social impact. A drop in the ocean perhaps, but I’m sure the ripples extend widely into the fabric of our society.

What do you make of it? Please leave your comment below, I’m interested to hear what you think.

Francesca

p.s. This is just the beginning. Stay tuned!