Q. Where does the ‘television’ you consume come from?
Changing technologies have enabled simultaneous broadcast across a country and across the world where we are no longer bound by regional or national productions. The history of television has moved away from black and white single shots, with only a few local stations available to being able to connect a global audience with motion pictures which capture and document history. This piece of technology allows us to be a part of a global audience where we learn about the world around us- the downfalls and triumphs of a country. A sense of community is formed as moments in history connect people globally because photos can now be shared all over the world. We live in an era now where television can be watched whenever. Thanks to the expansion of the internet mainstream media now has multiple platforms where you can stream shows and movies with the click of a button.
Super cool hey! It’s just like being able to easily access the news online about a different country. So right now I’m watching “Quick sand” on Netflix shout out to mum who pays for it (I love you). The series is a Swedish crime about an 18-year-old student who is arrested for her involvement in a deadly school shooting and I only yesterday I just finished the chilling yet eye-opening American series “13 reasons why” and look who knows what I’ll be watching next week. I guess what I am trying to say is that I stream shows from all over the world and Netflix has allowed me to become a part of a global audience at the comfort of my own home.
According to Joseph D Straubhaar ‘audiences are attracted to cultural similary and proximity. This idea is the “cultural proximity theory” which suggest that countries and cultuers tend to prefer their own local or national productions first because of the local knowledge need to understand human, the appeal of the local themes and issues and familitry with local styles and ethnic faces. His theory is valid to an extent. For example, the Australian sitcom Kath and Kim was a hit, as the characters embodied the classic Australian “bogan” stereotype living in suburbia. We as the audience understand the cultural contexts of the show and therefore understand the humour as the characters symbolise the reality. So, this is why the remake of K&K was so unpopular because they tried to adapt the series by casting two gorgeous women and missing the point of how the characters were meant to be perceived. Thus, highlighting their lack of understand of Australian culture and way of life.
In saying that, Alan Mckee challenges Joseph D Straubhaar idea with the hit Australian show ‘neighbours’ which is one of Britain’s favourite Australian soap opera. Alan Mckee says British people loved the show so much because it idealised white suburban community, steered away from serious issues, embraced comedy and showed sunshine and swimming pools which differentiates from British culture.
As more TV shows immerse, more adaptions are being made so it can reach a global audience. For example, the series “big brother” which first aired in the Netherlands in 1999 has become a hit show around the world. What makes a reality show like this successful in multiple countries is when it becomes ‘localised.’ This happened from the people, language, décor, cultural differences. These shows all have the same format/ concept but make adaptations to reach a global audience. I think its really cool how this happens, because we all get to watch the same show it just changes to suit what we find interesting.
References:
McKee, A. Australian Television: A Genealogy of Great Moments, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001.
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