New reality TV show arrives in Iraq

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/nation/12080922.htm

"Program follows embarrassed couples around as they prepare to wed

By NANCY A. YOUSSEF

Knight Ridder Newspapers

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Reality television has made its way to Iraq.

But on this version, there are no self-promoters, no confessional rooms, not even a grand prize. In fact, the stars of the country’s most popular reality show — a young couple looking to get married — are embarrassed to be on television. Except for the occasional darting glance, they often look away from the camera."

a bit of background on the station here:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=6637

"The station's offerings reflect the realities of contemporary Iraqi life. Shows in the works include "Chaif Kheir," or "Blessed Wedding," in which Al-Sharqiya funds a young couple otherwise too poor to get married. In exchange, the couple allows the show to tape their wedding, honeymoon and domestic life.

In another show, which could be called "Iraq's Most Melancholy Home Videos," hosts will show footage of Iraqis living abroad to folks in their old Iraqi neighborhoods, where they'll reminisce about the good old days.

Al-Sharqiya newscasters are more often than not young, beautiful Iraqi bottle-blonds wearing flashy low-cut blouses.

More prevalent than footage of violence in the Middle East on Al-Sharqiya are music videos from young, tacky, Egyptian, Lebanese and exile Iraqi pop stars. The men sing. The women wear skimpy miniskirts and dance in the background."

Its good to see some positive news sometimes, looks like the Iraqi's are learning to love our values afterall...

I'd like to see credible numbers about electricity/tap water availability, for example before seeing american tv shows in Iraq.

They could demonstrate which one is the neediest, and then Blackwater employees would vote on which one is the winner.