Friday, February 3, 2017

How prevalent are British and American media in German culture, and what are the cultural attitudes toward them?



When it comes to estimating the influence of British and American media on German culture, one just needs to open any available newspaper and have a look at the TV-program: you will not find any channel without at least one series of British or American origin (not even in Bavaria). Either the original has been synchronized for the German market or the concept has been copied like in Pop Idol or Who wants to Be a Millionaire. This is not only true for entertainment programs but also for programs with an educational if not political approach like talk-shows or debates: these are of genuinely American origin as well. Furthermore this trend can be detected in most radio programs which are not only dominated by English speaking/singing performers but which have also changed recognizably in style of presentation ever since the market has been opened for private broadcasting services depending on advertising revenues. In addition to British and American programs being copied by German TV- and radio-stations the modern audience can directly watch British or American programs on the internet or via satellite. Whereas for example the BBC’s documentary branch is estimated a program of high quality, most TV-series or telenovelas are seen as a part of popular culture of entertainment without explicitly higher claims. Besides, lots of serious productions such as documentary or independent movies can be found on German screens as well. Therefore the influence of British and American media in German culture definitely is a dominant one but should not be over-estimated in times of general globalization. (259 words) 

by Anja Reuer

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