I was taking a course called "TV Programs" where we are taught to create TV shows and put them to application. I'm a Press student, which makes this course relatively important. We were asked to divide the class into groups of four or five and each had to get set on an idea for a TV show. Since my friends and I are interested in the dating world, and since this subject doesn't even figure on the Lebanese agenda, we decided it would be a good idea to create a show about matchmaking.
I raised my hand to tell the teacher about my idea, pretty sure he would appreciate it. When i was done, he raised his eyebrows and looked at me sadly :" Well this is certainly new. But unfortunately, this kind of show wouldn't sell in Lebanon." I asked him why, surprised. He said that the audience of Lebanese media is mainly located in the "Khalij". "They don't approve of these programs. We would recieve complaints." I persisted on my point and said that we could get this done within the ethical limits. "No dear. This would work on a Lebanese audience. But we are only a minority in the Arab World and these countries provide us with money for the shows. We have to do what they want or else we are sent home".
I was furious. Why do we have to apply what they want? They hold the power, they are the decision-maker. But is it fair to have to stop evolving and creating shows that really reflect our society and its needs because we live in a traditional region where dating is refuted??
- March 31, 2009 3:24 pm
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