A TV format describes the overall concept, premise and branding of a copyrighted television program.
The format is licensed by TV networks, so that they may produce a version of the show tailored to their nationality and audience. Formats are a major part of the international television market. Format purchasing is popular with broadcasters, due principally to:
Leading companies that handle the creation and sales of programming formats include Endemol and FremantleMedia.
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The most common type of format are those in the television genre of game shows, many of which are remade in multiple markets with local contestants. Recent examples include Survivor, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Pop Idol and Big Brother that have all proved successful worldwide.
Particular models in the genre of sitcoms are often sold as formats, enabling broadcasters to adapt them to the perceived tastes of their own audience. An example is The Office, a BBC sitcom which got adapted as the The Office US, Le Bureau in France, Stromberg in Germany, La Job in Quebec and La Ofis in Chile.
TV formats are viewed as a form of intellectual property (IP), and are regularly bought and sold by TV producers, distribution company and broadcasters. For example, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has been recreated in 108 territories, while local versions of Idol have aired (over 129 series) in 42 territories receiving about three billion votes, most notable being American Idol.
However, TV formats are are not generally protected under copyright law. As a result, copy-cat formats are sometimes created, which seek to duplicate the success of an original format without paying the rights-holder of the original format. Format developers seek to prevent this by various means, including the use of trademarks or withholding distribution of other programs.
The Format Recognition and Protection Association (FRAPA) aims to protect rights to formats and lobbies for legal protection.
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