The rise and rise of Reality TV in the MENA region

Reality TV is often described as an infotainment genre about real people that crosses the divide between documentary and drama. Globally two European companies, Endemol and Fremantle Media, dominate the genre by franchising creative ideas worldwide, which are culturally adapted for local audiences. Of the licensed shows currently airing in the MENA market, two thirds of the formats are licensed by these two companies. However, for television executives wishing to produce new reality TV shows, what opportunities are there to enter this market, in particular for localized, values-based content?