Turkish TV Show Exports Exceed $60 Mln This Year

Turkey broke its export record for television shows for 2011, selling over 100 popular Turkish shows to 20 foreign countries. Fırat Gülgen, chairman of Calinos Holding -- which is responsible for 80 percent of the exports of Turkish TV shows -- said the sector has been negatively affected by the Arab Spring, but that new markets have opened their doors as well.
He added that the political tensions between Turkey and Israel have not affected the sector. “Our business is with people, and there is a high interest in Turkish shows in Israel.” Gülgen said there is no increase planned on the price per episode, which can range from $500 to $15,000, and the main contributing factor to the success of Turkish shows is the powerful stories in which people are able to find something they can relate to. He noted that Turkish shows are watched more than American shows in the Middle East and added, “The characters in Turkish shows are real in contrast to American shows such as ‘Lost’ and ‘Heroes’.”

He noted the shows receive major attention in Greece and Bulgaria, where one in two people watch Turkish shows. Gülgen said there was a documentary made on Turkish TV shows by a Japanese channel and discussed the positive effects this had on Turkish tourism. He also mentioned a reference in Time magazine to Turkish TV shows as the “secret weapon” of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as they have contributed to his popularity and influence in becoming seen as more powerful than many other major leaders. (Today's Zaman)
Last modified onSaturday, 06 May 2017 10:07