Hot Topics:

Arabic reality TV on rise worldwide

Majority of shows aired now locally produced

FCC slates Mark Cuban for panel

Ukraine fest launches co-prod'n

China tightens rules on performers

Yale Summers receives SAG award

White House cold at Kennedy Center(12791 views)

Sunny screenplays get Academy's vote(1614 views)

Future of Film summit aims positive(1465 views)

Variety.com behind paywall(1367 views)

Slamdance to debut Soderbergh's 'Fine'(1138 views)

'Eclipse' sets Imax release(1065 views)

LONDON -- The number of locally produced reality TV shows in the Arab world is rising, according to a new report by the Arab Advisors Group.

According to the "Arabic Reality TV Shows" study, the majority of aired reality TV shows are now original shows produced by local companies. The findings also include local versions of licensed reality formats from the likes of Endemol and Fremantle.

"Analyzing the landscape shows a major transformation in the production of reality TV shows on Arab TV. A small majority of the reality shows on the researched Arab TV channels are now original shows rather than licensed formats from global companies," reported the study. "Obviously, many Arab TV stations outgrew the learning phase of reality TV production and started their own formats, which could mean a better fit with the Arabic culture and norms."

Shows such as Abu Dhabi TV's "Prince of Poets" and LBC's "Star Academy" have been big ratings grabbers across the Arab world in recent months.