Globalization in the context of media is the process of connecting nations, cultures, and peoples through digital convergence, technological developments, and the expansion of media. It allowed for the increase in opportunities for communication, exchange of material and symbolic goods, and migration of people across national borders.
Glocalization is the process in which a formula or idea that has proven to be successful in one area is adapted in another area.
A good example of glocalization is my favorite show The Office. Starting in the United Kingdom, comedian Ricky Gervais created a new type of mockumentary style to fit the sitcom genre. In The Office, the actors were more conventional as opposed to exceptionally attractive, broke the fourth wall, and used dark humor to carry most of the show through. These unique features of the show contributed to its success in the United Kingdom. Because this formula proved to be successful, American production companies attempted to adapt this idea (with Ricky Gervais on board as a producer) hoping that they would achieve the same success of the original series. The Office has gone now for seven hilarious seasons, four more seasons than the original version. This is a perfect example of glocalization: the original series was successful in the United Kingdom, so the United States adapted the same format to make the adaptation. This resulted in the smash hit it has become today.
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