Why Quebec French TV Channels Feature More Locals Than Internationals

The distinct cultural identity of Quebec often manifests in its media, particularly in television channels. You might have noticed that many shows on Quebec French channels feature local guests. While it may seem repetitive to some viewers, there are several reasons for this trend.

Cultural Identity

One of the primary reasons is the strong emphasis on cultural identity. Quebec has a distinct cultural heritage, separate from other regions in Canada and internationally. Local media channels often prioritize the promotion and preservation of Quebec's unique culture, language, and traditions.

Audience Connection

TV channels in Quebec aim to connect with their primary audience, which is primarily Québécois. Featuring familiar local personalities helps to create a sense of relatability and connection among viewers. This connection can enhance audience engagement and loyalty, contributing to a more successful and lasting channel presence.

Industry Dynamics

The entertainment industry in Quebec is relatively small in comparison to larger markets. This smaller size can lead to a limited pool of available guests, which can result in the same personalities appearing frequently across different shows and channels. The industry dynamics play a crucial role in selecting and featuring local talent over international guests.

Promotion of Local Talent

Quebec media often aims to support and promote local talent, whether in acting, music, or other entertainment fields. Regularly featuring local guests allows for the promotion of local artists and entertainers, which is an integral part of supporting a vibrant and thriving industry.

Language Considerations

Language is another factor at play. Since the primary audience speaks French, the channels may prioritize guests who are fluent in Quebec French. This can further narrow the selection, leading to a higher likelihood of featuring local guests over international ones.

The Quebec Star System

Quebec has its own star system, which is quite distinct from the English Canadian or international markets. Many people familiar with Quebec media observe that we tend to see the same local celebrities on a regular basis. This is in contrast to English Canada, where it's harder to distinguish between Canadian and US celebrities.

While it might be convenient to have guests from France or the USA on the shows, it is not that common. Foreign celebrities seldom make a 'detour' coming to a TV show in Quebec. If they were a star, the ‘cachet’ (celebrity factor) wouldn’t typically be enough to interest them, especially considering the smaller Quebec market. Consequently, guests from other countries are often not invited unless they are already in Montreal for a show or another activity. Even then, they usually do a 'fly-in, fly-out' or stay here on vacation.

Several notable American celebrities, such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, own houses in Quebec. They are invited if the show aligns with the mission and goals of the program. For instance, 'Tout le monde en parle' regularly features international guests because they align with the show's mandate to provide engaging content to a Quebec audience.

International Guests

When international guests do appear, it is often because they are already in town for another reason. However, when they do appear, the channel must balance the mandate of using the local language. Interviews with French- or American guests are often conducted in English, especially if the celebrity speaks it fluently. In some cases, interviews are shot in both languages to maintain the flow of the program, but there are limitations to ensure the show remains engaging.

Movie and Music Industry

The presence of foreign actors and music artists in Quebec is also influenced by the global film and music industry. Due to the dominance of American distributors in Canada, including Quebec, there is very limited screen space for international films, especially from France, Italy, and other countries. Similarly, many French artists find more inspiration and opportunities to perform in Europe rather than in Quebec, further limiting the number of local guests from the French-speaking world.

Even though there is a smaller audience in Quebec compared to the larger English-speaking market, the media industry still focuses on promoting the local star system. This is not unique to Quebec; the trend can be observed in many regions around the world. The same applies to the US, where you see the same recognizable stars across most television shows and magazines.

While the star system in Quebec is not as diverse or extensive as in the United States, the shows tend to cater to the local audience. This means that the same local celebrities and artists are often featured, giving a sense of continuity and familiarity to viewers. However, there is also a recognition that exposing the local audience to a wider variety of guests can enrich the cultural landscape. For this reason, some specialized channels and international platforms like TV5 can offer more diverse content that spans different cultures and regions.

In conclusion, the prevalence of local guests on Quebec French TV channels is a reflection of a combination of cultural identity, audience connection, industry dynamics, promotion of local talent, and language considerations. While it may seem repetitive at times, it is a natural outcome of the unique media landscape in Quebec.