Trends in the media.

Question 1

Horizontal integration.

Answer 1

Cross-media ownership where big companies own a wide range of media, like TV, radio, film. Eg Newscorp’s ownership of multiple news sources.

Question 2

Vertical integration.

Answer 2

Companies trying to control all aspects of media to ensure maximum profit. Eg Amazon’s monopoly on audio books.

Question 3

Diversification.

Answer 3

Companies tying to branch out into new areas of media to spread the loss of profits: if they lose money in one area, they have a safety net.

Question 4

Synergy.

Answer 4

Media companies using different interests to package products in several ways eg soundtracks, games, ringtones, merchandise.

Question 5

Technological convergence.

Answer 5

Several technologies used in one project, using computer, phone and TV to access the internet.

Question 6

Global conglomeration.

Answer 6

Media companies operating in the global market, producing newspapers in several companies.

Question 7

Formal controls of the media.

Answer 7

-Censorship eg in China+ Russia.
-Spin doctor giving a good account of a party to the media.
-Press conferences to influence reporting.
-Surveillance through emails+ phones.
-Blocking certain websites.
-Leaking information on rivals eg phone hacking.
-Refusal of broadcasting licences.

Question 8

Ofcom.

Answer 8

A powerful regulator of the media in the UK- responsible for TV, radio, telecommunication, broadcasting services.

Question 9

The BBC.

Answer 9

Regulated the the BBC trust and Ofcom. The government can influence it over 10 years when the licence fee is decided.

Question 10

IPSO 2014.

Answer 10

Regulates newspapers and magazines, replacing the press complaints commission. Previously unregulated, as Murdoch was allowed a monopoly under Blair+ Thatcher.

Question 11

Levenson inquiry.

Answer 11

Reviewed the ethics and culture of the British media. Newspapers were not as regulated, so were more free- NOTW phone hacking scandal.