Digital Media Cultures - Television Formats

In this lecture we looked at what a format is and how they're used in television. "A TV format describes the overall concept, premise and branding of a copyrighted television programme." An example of a TV format that has become extremely popular and well known around the world is 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' It even inspired the Oscar winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire'. 

Some examples of TV formats gone global:
Big Brother
I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!
Pop Idol

The television format reduces the risk of failure as the show has already been tested and proven popular, therefore if tweaked slightly to accommodate for other countries preferences then it has the potential to be very successful.

Surprisingly 53% of all TV formats originated in the UK. Go us!

I personally don't enjoy the type of programme that's based on formats however I can understand  how they are useful in the media, as people essentially are the same so one thing that works in one place would probably work in another.

Phoebe