For decades, the global television and media industry has danced to an all-too-familiar tune, orchestrated by Hollywood and the American media machine. From blockbuster storytelling to content strategies, the U.S. has dominated the narrative, dictating not just what the world watches, but how it thinks about storytelling, success, and even creativity itself.

But let’s be honest: this dominance has come at a cost. It’s crowded out other voices, minimized cultural diversity, and created a dangerous illusion that there’s only one “right way” to succeed in the global media space—the American way.

This illusion needs to end.

The Turning Point

The world is shifting, and so is the U.S. media landscape. With the new administration in Washington, we’re already seeing American media recalibrate—more consolidation, more cultural exportation, and, let’s face it, more of the same “America knows best” attitude. And as the U.S. doubles down on promoting its own agenda through its media empire, it’s high time the rest of the world stopped waiting for Hollywood’s permission to speak.

Why? Because the world doesn’t need another Hollywood. It needs something better: a media landscape that reflects the richness of its cultures, the uniqueness of its audiences, and the depth of its stories.

The Myth of American Exceptionalism in Media

Let me say what many in the industry won’t: the U.S. model is not the gold standard. It’s a model—one that grew from a specific cultural and economic context that isn’t replicable everywhere. Sure, Hollywood has mastered scale, marketing, and the global distribution game, but that doesn’t mean its strategies are universally applicable.

What works in Los Angeles doesn’t always work in Lagos, Lisbon, or Lahore. And frankly, the world deserves more than being an echo chamber for American values and storytelling formulas.

Let’s not pretend the “Hollywood way” hasn’t overshadowed talent and innovation elsewhere. It has. For too long, creative professionals and executives around the world have been told to measure their success against an imported blueprint. And what has that achieved? A world of cookie-cutter content that feels more like a product line than a creative expression.

A Call for Independence

This is the moment to step up. As the U.S. media shifts inward—prioritizing its own agenda under the guise of global leadership—the rest of the world must look outward. It’s time for markets outside the U.S. to reject the idea that Hollywood’s way is the only way. It’s time to build models that reflect local realities, values, and audiences.

Europe, in particular, has an extraordinary opportunity here. As a German thought leader in the industry, I’m proud to say that Europe has the talent, the cultural wealth, and the creative infrastructure to lead this charge. The same goes for Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Together, these regions can create a new kind of media ecosystem—one that thrives on diversity rather than dominance.

Finding Your Own Voice

Independence doesn’t mean isolation. It doesn’t mean rejecting every lesson the U.S. has to offer. But it does mean resisting the urge to mimic. It means being brave enough to innovate without asking Hollywood for permission.

This isn’t just about business; it’s about identity. Media is one of the most powerful tools for shaping how societies see themselves and their place in the world. Why should the rest of the world borrow someone else’s lens?

For broadcasters, producers, and executives outside the U.S., the challenge is clear: stop chasing Hollywood, and start shaping something new.

A New Path Forward

So, what does this look like in practice?

Reinvest in Local Stories: Instead of trying to crack the U.S. market, focus on creating content that resonates with your own audiences. Build stories that are true to your culture, your challenges, and your aspirations.

Collaborate Globally, Act Locally: Work with international partners, but don’t lose sight of your own voice. The best collaborations are built on equality, not deference.

Innovate on Your Terms: Whether it’s new monetization models, production techniques, or distribution strategies, don’t feel the need to copy-paste what’s worked for Netflix or Disney. Find solutions that fit your market.

The Future Is Bigger Than Hollywood

The days of Hollywood as the sole global authority on media and storytelling are over. And thank goodness for that. The future of this industry is not about one voice dominating the rest; it’s about many voices, rising together to create something far richer and more compelling.

The world doesn’t need another Hollywood, and it certainly doesn’t need more American-style hegemony disguised as “global leadership.” What it needs is its own voice.

And here’s the best part: that voice already exists. It’s in the studios of Berlin, the writing rooms of Seoul, the sets of Mumbai, and the editing suites of São Paulo. It’s in the stories waiting to be told by creators who’ve grown tired of being told their way isn’t “the right way.”

So let’s stop asking Hollywood for permission. Let’s stop waiting for the U.S. to lead. The future of media belongs to those bold enough to shape it themselves.