Media Studies · Year 12 · Television and Global Broadcasting · 4.º Período

Globalisation of Television Formats

Students explore how television formats are franchised and adapted for international markets. They will consider the cultural implications of globalised media.

TL;DR:Globalisation of Television Formats examines how TV shows travel across borders. Students explore the concept of 'formatting,' where a successful show (like 'The Office' or 'Love Island') is sold as a template to be adapted for different cultures. This topic is central to understanding the global media economy and the tension between 'global' and 'local' identities.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• A-Level Media Studies (Ofqual): Understand the impact of globalisation on media industries.
• A-Level Media Studies (Ofqual): Analyse media products in relation to their global contexts.

About This Topic

Globalisation of Television Formats examines how TV shows travel across borders. Students explore the concept of 'formatting,' where a successful show (like 'The Office' or 'Love Island') is sold as a template to be adapted for different cultures. This topic is central to understanding the global media economy and the tension between 'global' and 'local' identities.

Students will consider the cultural implications of this process. Does the spread of Western TV formats lead to 'cultural imperialism,' where local cultures are erased? Or does it allow for 'cultural hybridity,' where global ideas are given a local flavour? This topic comes alive when students can physically model the process of 'localising' a global format through collaborative design and presentation.

Key Questions

1. Why are certain television formats successful globally?
2. How do local adaptations alter the original media text?
3. What is cultural imperialism in the context of broadcasting?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Globalisation just means 'Americanisation'.

What to Teach Instead

While US media is powerful, many global formats come from the UK, the Netherlands, or South Korea (e.g., 'Squid Game'). A 'global hit' hunt helps students see that media flow is becoming more multi-directional.

Common Misconception

Adapting a show is just about changing the language.

What to Teach Instead

It involves changing the cast, the setting, and often the 'values' of the show to fit local social norms. A 'localisation' role-play helps students see the deep cultural work involved in formatting.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

The Format Pitch

Groups are given a successful UK show (e.g., 'Gogglebox'). They must 'sell' an adapted version of it to a TV executive from another country (e.g., Japan or Brazil), explaining what changes they would make to suit the local culture.

50 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle

The Global Map

Using a world map, pairs trace the different versions of a global franchise like 'MasterChef' or 'Idol.' They identify which countries have their own version and research one specific 'local' difference in the show's format.

40 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share

Cultural Imperialism?

Students watch clips from a US show and its local adaptation. They pair up to discuss whether the local version feels 'authentic' or if it's just a 'copy' of American culture, then share their conclusions with the class.

30 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'television format'?

A format is the 'recipe' for a TV show. It includes the concept, the rules of the game, the set design, and even the music. When a company buys a format, they are buying the right to make their own version of that 'recipe' in their own country.

What is 'cultural imperialism'?

It is the theory that powerful countries (like the US) use their media to impose their values and culture on less powerful countries. In Media Studies, we use this to debate whether global TV formats are 'erasing' local traditions.

Why are UK TV formats so successful globally?

The UK has a long history of 'public service' innovation and a highly developed creative industry. Shows like 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' and 'Strictly Come Dancing' (sold as 'Dancing with the Stars') are simple, universal concepts that are easy to adapt for different cultures.

How can active learning help students understand globalisation?

By having students 'localise' a format themselves, they move from being passive viewers to active 'cultural translators.' They begin to see the subtle ways that media reflects and shapes national identity, which is a key requirement for the A-Level exam.