A: The debate over the impact of U.S. programming beamed to other
developed and developing cultures will likely never cease. The U.S. television
program The Simpsons, which depicts a rather unflattering U.S. family, is seen
in more than 90 countries. Such a program is unlikely to want young people
outside the United States to grow up to be like Homer Simpson! Generally,
this program and others, such as “Married with Children,” the “Jerry Springer
Show,” and “Baywatch,” each seen around the world, are watched outside the
United States for a glimpse into the humorous or darker aspects of U.S. culture.
On the other hand, local programming can lose out to the U.S. programming if
it is not as entertaining.