Impactful Media: How TV Is Shifting the Global Landscape for Good

SFCG's most recent production: The Team - Palestine

July 20, 2010

By My Tan

From expanding awareness of global health issues in the United States, and implementing health education in Haiti, to addressing tribal conflict in Kenya, and changing the perception of Turkey in the Middle East, soap operas, television and videos are helping to save the planet…

…In Kenya and 12 other countries, The Search for Common Ground produces “The Team,” a TV show utilizing the relationships and political dynamics of soccer teams to portray the transformation of conflict into cooperative action. “The Team” targets countries traditionally wracked by conflict and shows positive role models taking responsibility for their actions, which, it is hoped, will increase tolerance, cooperation and national unity in viewers. Encouraging dialogue instead of violence, Common Ground also provides public screenings with moderated discussions in rural areas where TV is not accessible. (For more, see NOW on PBS.)

Read the rest of this article and learn about the UN soap opera targeting global health in Haiti or Turkey’s utilization of the soap opera format as a tool for soft power diplomacy: here on worldchanging.com.

What television shows or other media have shaped your own perceptions of the world?