Small Market, Big Format: Idols in Estonia Cover Image

Small Market, Big Format: Idols in Estonia
Small Market, Big Format: Idols in Estonia

Author(s): Ulrike Rohn
Subject(s): Cultural Essay, Political Essay, Societal Essay
Published by: Tallinna Ülikooli Balti Filmi- ja Meediakool
Keywords: Idols; TV formats; format trade; format adaptation; Estonian TV market

Summary/Abstract: This article looks at the factors that have influenced the Estonian adaptation of the Idols format, Eesti otsib superstaari. Based on existing literature, as well as on interviews with representatives of the local TV industry, this article suggests that the most influential factor is the small size of the Estonian TV market. Most changes to the original format have been made for practical reasons and not due to cultural considerations. Hence, this article argues that it is mostly market and industry logistics that influence programme imports and local adaptations and not so much the cultural shareability of such programmes.

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 122-137
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: English