Would Western Media Still Be As Popular?

[sapphirenebula]

Would Western Media Still Be As Popular If It Wasn't Officially Localized?

One reason a lot of western media is popular is that for much of it, there's easy to access localized translations, as well as easy sources and retailers to get these translations.
Websites in an easy to read local language, stores holding copies, shows airing on local television channels and music and audio drama on radio stations.
Most of which cost money, such as direct purchases or subscriptions, but are convenient to obtain.

Could a potential fan translation of fan work service spring up for western works if they stopped localizations and loosened international copyright notices?
Are there current fan translations and localizations, fan imports, of some western media?

 

[Q99]

Would Western Media Still Be As Popular If It Wasn't Officially Localized?

Click to shrink...

Yes, but generally not as much.

When the Iron Curtain was up, some western stuff snuck in and did well.

Could a potential fan translation of fan work service spring up for western works if they stopped localizations and loosened international copyright notices?
Are there current fan translations and localizations, fan imports, of some western media?

Click to shrink...

Yes, and yes.

 

[SparraNova]

By western I assume you mean American, right? Also where exactly we'd be measuring it's performance without localization is important to, localization is a lot more important in, say, Russia, than in places that speak the same language like England.

 

[maguado87]

Consider that the two most famous characters in the world, Mickey Mouse and Superman, are western/American. Yes western media would still be popular