MEDIA - How has the Ownership of Media Changed? Flashcards
What Sociologist looked at the ‘Lords of the Global Village’ and Concentration of the Media?
Bagdikian!
(BAGDIKIAN) Explain what he meant regarding the ‘Lords of the Global Village’!
He says that, even 25 years ago, the concentration of media ownership meant that a handful of global media companies and moguls dominated the world’s mass media!
What is the definition of the term ‘Moguls’?
A Mogul is a person who possesses a great deal of power, influence, or wealth!
In 2023, how many Big Companies controlled the Media?
6!
In 1983, what percentage of media outlets were controlled by around 50 companies?
90% –> Today, however, they are only controlled by 6 companies!
(TRENDS OF MEDIA OWNERSHIP IN THE USA - Bagdikian) As 6 companies own 90% of the Media TODAY, what does this mean?
This means that they control every step in the information process, from creation of the product to all the various means by which modern technology can deliver the media to the public; they CONTROL EVERYTHING!
Can you give an example of one of the 6 Companies that Bagdikian Identified?
Disney and everything regarding Disneyfication of the Media!
Why should we care about Conglomeration and the Small Concentration of Media Ownership? HINT: Hegemony!
This affects us via MEDIA DISTORTION, as we receive media from a HEGEMONIC IDEOLOGY and a point of view which reinforces the power and dominance of the ruling class!
Explain the Trends in Media Ownership in the UK!
In 2015 = 3 companies - the News UK, the Daily Mail Group and Reach - dominated around 70% (71% to be exact) of the national newspaper market!
In March 2021 = These 3 companies dominated 90% of the national newspaper market!
Who owns News Corp UK and why is this important?
Rupert Murdoch - He owns the Sun and the Times!
This is important in assessing his INFLUENCE and his DOMINANCE IN the MEDIA SCENE!
The Sun = This is the most commonly read newspaper in the UK with around 21% (20%) of people in the UK reading it!
The Times = Read by around 6% (5%) of people in the UK!
Explain what the Concentration of Media Ownership means and give an Example! HINT: Bagdikian and Disney!
Bagdikian found that in the USA in 1983, around 50 companies owned all of the media outlets. However, now in 2023, around 6 companies own 90% of the media!
This can be seen with the media ownership of companies, like Disney!
Explain what Vertical Integration means and give an Example! HINT: Media multinationals now control all levels of media production and Time Warner!
Vertical Integration increases the trend of media multinationals to control all levels of media production and allows media multinationals greater economic control over their operating environment.
This can be seen with Time Warner; they make their own films and distributed them to its own cinemas!
Explain what Horizontal Integration means and give an Example! HINT: Ownership is now concentrated, as seen with News Corp!
Ownership is concentrated / consolidated by cross-media ownership –> Big media companies own multiple media outlets!
This can be seen with NewsCorp, which owns British and American papers and the US’ New York Post!
Explain what Global Ownership means and give an Example! HINT: Concentration of ownership has now become global; links to Rupert Murdoch!
Concentration of ownership has become global, due to globalisation.
This can be seen with NewsCorp, owned by Rupert Murdoch, which owns media companies across the globe, as seen with Sky, Fox News, the Sun and Reach!
Explain what Conglomeration means and give an Example! HINT: One huge company owning a wide variety of products within the media and beyond; links to Virgin Media!
One huge company owning a wide variety of products within the media and beyond!
This can be seen with the Virgin group, which has business in media, music, films etc!
