Globalization, Glocalization of Telenovelas

Globalization is the process by which technological developments have interconnected people from different nations and cultures through facilitating methods of communication. In other words, like Professor Straubhaar mentions in his lecture, globalization “increases [the] opportunities for communication, exchange of material and symbolic goods, & migration of people across national borders”.  One example of how globalization works is through glocalization.  Glocalization is when other countries begin adopting an idea or concept that was very successful in another place.  This method allows for different local cultures and markets to enjoy similar products or ideas in their own society.  

(Original Columbian version)

         Telenovelas are a great example of glocalization.  Usually produced in Mexico and Latin America, telenovelas have spread to different parts of the world because of how successful they have become.  For example, “Yo soy Betty, la Fea” was a Columbian telenovela that aired form 1999-2001.  After having a successful run it began airing in the United States channel Telefutura.  Because of it popularity amongst its audiences, this telenovela then became adopted and rebroadcast in other languages around the country, becoming a worldwide phenomenon.  For instance, in 2006, the United States adopted “Yo soy Betty, la Fea” and created the hit comedy show Ugly Betty.  In that same year, Mexico created its own version of this telenovela call “La Fea Más Bella” (which right now is rearing in Univision).  Just to give a hint of how popular this telenovela was world wide,  it also began airing in places like India, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Brazil, etc. 

(Shows that later on adopted the original telenovela "Yo soy Betty, la Fea")