4.3.3

Media Industries

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Modern Family - Media industries

Modern Family reflects modern TV industry trends: streaming, global reach, and corporate power.

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Production background

  • The show was created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan.
  • It was produced for ABC TV (American Broadcasting Company).
    • ABC accepted the pitch after NBC rejected it (already had The Office & Parks and Recreation).
  • The show was filmed mainly at 20th Century Fox Studios, LA.
  • ABC headquarters is opposite Walt Disney Studios → part of the Disney conglomerate.
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Changes in the television industry

  • Digital technology has transformed production, distribution, and viewing habits.
  • Fragmented audiences rightarrow; broadcasters compete with streaming services.
  • Modern Family adapted through multi-platform distribution.
  • They are an example of a commercial, profit-driven production model.
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Global distribution & convergence

  • The show originally aired on ABC (USA).
  • It was later streamed on Netflix (2020) in 30+ countries.
  • It was then removed from Netflix (2022) and made exclusive to Disney+.
  • It was also on Hulu (USA) and available to purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
    • Digital access allows binge-watching and global fandom.
  • The show had an active social-media marketing – 1.3 million followers on Twitter/X.
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Funding & profit

  • ABC is a commercial broadcaster funded by advertising.
    • A 30-second ad slot during broadcast costs around $250,000.
    • Product placement deals added major profit.
    • Only 10 % of the brands that applied were accepted to keep realism.
  • Famous example: Apple episode (Season 6) was filmed entirely on Apple devices.
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Ownership & integration

  • ABC and 20th Century Fox both belong to The Walt Disney Company.
    • This is an example of vertical integration → production + distribution under one parent company.
  • Disney’s conglomerate structure ensures:
    • High production values
    • Global marketing power
    • Synergy across TV, film, and streaming

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