Miami Vice in Dubai, Baywatch in Egypt! (page 3 of 3)

Garcia added that there is substantial local input with FreemantleMedia formats. "It is important to understand the local conditions and cultures to ensure that what is produced will work for local audiences, which is something that our producers learn from the local crews," she said. The shows have to look and feel Arab. "We give the structure, but the channels add in the flavor and the look."

Cultural invasion by satellite has been bemoaned in the Arab world since the first dishes went up. IslamOnline carried a report quoting Egyptian intellectuals saying the program Shatti Al Ahlam "does not even deserve comment" and "is sure to hurt an already suffering image of the Middle East."

Sahar El-Mougy, an Egyptian writer and activist, says, "This can't be the right way. The West has its own rules and traditions that are definitely different from ours. Changing the Middle East vision does never mean to be a copy of the West. You have always to preserve your national identity."

As for SuperStar, Jordan's opposition Islamic Action Front (IAF) party criticized Jordanians for giving all their attention to the show rather than focusing on the US occupation of Iraq and Israel's repression of Palestinians.

In a statement, the IAF said, "This show harms national values and causes, distorts public perceptions, deviates future generations from their aspirations and the more important and decisive causes. We urge all sincere people to confront this dangerous phenomenon."

Successful satellite TV programs reach millions across the Arab world - and potentially beyond the region. While Arab broadcasters currently import foreign TV formats to bolster local content, the flow can potentially work both ways.

There is global interest in the Arab world, but viewers tune into what is entertaining and well produced. Says Garcia, "I look forward to the day when we will be vying for great ideas coming out of the region, too."