Power and Media Theory💡

Question 1

What is this theory about?

Answer 1

This theory is about the way media companies are owned and structured and the way that industries are run.

Question 2

Who created this theory?

Answer 2

James Curran and Jean Seaton.

Question 3

What do Curran and Seaton believe and argue in their theory? (4 Parts)

Answer 3

1. They believe that most media industries are dominated by a small number of companies that happen to be large conglomerates.
2. They also believe media companies and industries are all about profit and power, whether it’s through horizontal or vertical integration. However, for independent companies, it’s more about making an artistic product or message promotion.
3. They also believe as a result of Point 2, concentrated ownership results in a lack of choice, and lots of the same product. They tend to be repetitive and similar, so we don’t get a lot of choice or diversity.
4. They also believe that if they are an independent company, they have diverse ownership, which leads to more choice, creativity and diversity of products.