The analysis of Turkish match-making TV programs among Turkish Cypriot audience

ABSTRACT: In Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, people usually like to watch private television channels from Turkey. This research has been conducted to find out what are the main perceptions of match-making programs have on people who live in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and watch these programs. In this study it is investigated what kind of gender images represented by match-making programs broadcasted in Turkish private TV channels. Match-making programs are adapted to Turkish TV channels as “marriage programs” since 2007. They became one of the most popular TV programs in Turkey, if we look at the raising ratings in 2011. This adapted version of match making programs both attracted high interest of audiences and also are criticisized on media because of the moral values. People enjoy watching these programs but it is important to understand what attract people to watching these kinds of programs. One of my research question is “Why audiences like or does not like and why they watch the match-making programs in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus?” Through the analyze of interviews it is elaborated how the programs reproduce some gendered social values on gender roles. Keywords: Match-making shows, Television programs, Popular culture, Match-making. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………