Active learning ideas
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.
Activity 01
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.
Why are certain television formats successful globally?
Activity 02
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.
How do local adaptations alter the original media text?
Activity 03
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.
What is cultural imperialism in the context of broadcasting?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Globalisation just means 'Americanisation'.
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.
Adapting a show is just about changing the language.
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.
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