Global versus local

Globalisation is the process whereby ownership of television institutions in different nations and regions is concentrated in the hands of international corporations, and whereby programmes and formats are traded between institutions internationally.

Some programme formats such as Big Brother and Who Wants to be a Millionaire are successfully reproduced around the world. Other programmes, such as televised Champions League Football, are sold to be screened globally. In some cases a successful show in one country will be remade in another. The Office, which was a big hit in the UK, has been remade to suit US audiences.

Improved global communications have meant that programmes can be broadcast around the world. Potentially, audiences anywhere can tune in via satellite TV and watch exactly the same programmes. However, unlike films which, in the past decade, have become increasingly homogenized due to the clout of Hollywood, television has managed to resist a similar cultural take over.

In the UK, year after year, the most successful TV programmes tend to be homegrown programmes such as the leading soaps, Coronation Street and EastEnders, followed by programmes such as A Touch of Frost and Heartbeat. Indeed, out of the Top 25 programmes for all terrestrial channels in 2003 only two programmes, UEFA Champions League and the film, Billy Elliot, can claim to have a global audience. The remaining programmes show that British audiences tend to be rather conservative in their tastes and that TV executives play their prime time slots with tried and trusted favourites.