Ideas worth spreading

The surprising spread of Idol TV

617,028 views | Cynthia Schneider • TEDGlobal 2009

Cynthia Schneider looks at two international "American Idol"-style shows -- one in Afghanistan, and one in the United Arab Emirates -- and shows the surprising effect that these reality-TV competitions are creating in their societies.

Cynthia Schneider looks at two international "American Idol"-style shows -- one in Afghanistan, and one in the United Arab Emirates -- and shows the surprising effect that these reality-TV competitions are creating in their societies.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Cynthia Schneider

Cynthia Schneider

Cultural diplomacy expert

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Cynthia Schneider studies culture and politics -- watching how novels, TV shows and cultural engagement around the globe (and especially within the Muslim world) might lead to political change. She was the US ambassador to the Netherlands from 1998 to 2001.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.