Globalization and the Media

Globalization is as term used to describe the process by which nations, cultures, and people throughout the world become increasingly connected and integrated. Globalization is facilitated by technological developments like cell phones and the internet, and other developments that make large scale communication easier. Ultimately, it has resulted in a more integrated world economy as more nations turn to market economies utilizing commercial media models. Globalization has led to marketing techniques like glocalization. A combination of the words globalization and localization, glocalization is a technique based off the concept that products with sell better in a region if they are adapted to better fit that region's culture. It is essentially taking an idea that was a success in one nation or locality and adopting it in another nation or locality. It is truly combining global ideas with local ones, and making products more specific and appealing to people of different cultures. This concept can be clearly demonstrated by looking at reality competition shows like "American Idol." Arguably the most popular show in the country, "American Idol" is actually a spinoff of the British show "Pop Idol." However, most viewers in America have probably never heard of the show "Pop Idol." Through the use of glocalization, the creators of the Idol series were able to create a show that was more appropriate and attractive for American viewers. The Idol series has actually resulted in spinoffs in 42 world territories and is one of the most successful television franchises of all time. By making shows that are specifically catered to the localities in which they are being viewed, the Idol series has become a dominant force in the world of television.