Media ownership and control is a concept that is becoming increasingly important in the 21st century In essence, it refers to the concentration of media outlets in the hands of a few powerful corporations, who have the power to influence public opinion. This can have a major impact on the public, as these corporations control what we see, hear, and read, and can therefore shape our perspectives on the world. It is therefore essential to understand the scope of media ownership and control and its potential effects.
Media ownership and control can take many forms. A common example is when a single corporation owns multiple media outlets, such as newspapers, television stations, and radio stations. This type of ownership can provide companies with a significant amount of influence and control over what is seen and heard. Another form of media ownership and control is when a company owns a media outlet but has a different business that could benefit from the promotion of certain ideas or products. This type of arrangement can give rise to claims of “agenda setting,” whereby a company’s business has the potential to shape public opinion.
Here are five examples of media ownership and control that can illustrate these concepts:
1. 21st Century Fox: Fox is one of the largest and most powerful media companies in the world. It owns a wide variety of media outlets, including Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox News, and the Fox Sports Network. It also owns numerous other media properties, such as National Geographic Channel, FX, and Sky in the UK.
2. Comcast: Comcast is a major cable and internet provider in the United States that also owns NBC Universal, a large media conglomerate. Through this company, Comcast owns numerous television channels, websites, and other media outlets, including NBC, USA Network, Bravo, CNBC, and MSNBC.
3. The Walt Disney Company: Disney is another giant in the media world. It owns a range of networks, including ABC and ESPN, and also owns the rights to many popular franchises, such as Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar.
4. AT&T: AT&T is a telecommunications giant that also owns a large media division. It owns a range of media properties, including HBO, Turner Broadcasting System, and Warner Media.
5. News Corporation: News Corporation is a global media company that is owned by Rupert Murdoch. It owns a range of newspapers and other media outlets, including Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and the Times of London.
These examples illustrate the scope of media ownership and control that exists in today’s world. It is clear that powerful companies can have a significant amount of influence when it comes to the messages and information that people consume. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these arrangements and to be aware of the potential effects that they can have on our perspectives and opinions.