Is Television a Proper Noun?

No, “television” is not a proper noun. It is a common noun. A common noun is a general name for a person, place, thing, or idea. Common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence. Other examples of common nouns related to technology include “radio,” “computer,” “telephone,” and “internet.” These words describe general categories of devices and technologies.

Proper nouns, on the other hand, name specific people, places, or things. They are always capitalized. Examples of proper nouns related to television include specific brand names like “Sony,” “Samsung,” or “LG,” or specific television show titles like “Friends,” “The Simpsons,” or “Game of Thrones.” Network names like “BBC,” “CNN,” or “HBO” are also proper nouns as they refer to specific organizations.

The confusion may arise when “television” is used as part of a larger, proper noun phrase, such as “Spanish Language Television.” In this case, “television” remains a common noun, while “Spanish Language Television” is the proper noun referring to a specific entity. Consider the phrase “public library.” “Library” is a common noun, but “New York Public Library” is a proper noun because it refers to a specific institution.

Similarly, you would not capitalize “television” in phrases like “watching television,” “cable television,” or “digital television.” These phrases describe general concepts related to television, not specific entities. The same principle applies to other common nouns: we say “going to school” or “reading a book,” not “going to School” or “reading a Book.” Context is key in determining whether a word should be capitalized.