4.3.3
Media Industries
Modern Family - Media industries
Modern Family - Media industries
Modern Family reflects modern TV industry trends: streaming, global reach, and corporate power.


Production background
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.


Changes in the television industry
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.


Global distribution & convergence
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.


Funding & profit
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.


Ownership & integration
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
1Overview
1.1Media Language
1.3Representation
2Component 1: Section A
2.1Magazines - Vogue
2.2Magazines - GQ
2.3Advertising & Marketing
2.4Print Advertisements - Quality Street
2.5Print Advertisements - (2026 Exams) This Girl Can
2.6Print Advertisements - (2027 Exams) NHS 111
2.7Film Posters (Marketing)
2.8Film - No Time To Die
2.9Newspapers
2.11The Guardian
2.12(2028 Exams) The Sun
2.13(2028 Exams) The Guardian
3Component 1: Section B
3.1Video Games
3.2Video Games - Fortnite
3.4Radio
3.5Radio - The Archers
3.6(2027 Exams) Radio - Desert Island Discs
4Component 2: Section A
4.1Television
4.3Sitcom - Modern Family
4.4Sitcom - Man Like Mobeen
4.5(2026 Exams) Luther
5Component 2: Section B
5.1Music Video
5.2Lizzo - 'Good as Hell'
5.3Taylor Swift - 'The Man'
5.4Stormzy - 'Superheroes'
5.5Justin Bieber - 'Intentions'
5.6TLC - 'Waterfalls'
5.7Duran Duran - 'Rio'
5.8Online Media - Lizzo
5.9Online Media - Taylor Swift
5.10Online Media - Stormzy
Jump to other topics
1Overview
1.1Media Language
1.3Representation
2Component 1: Section A
2.1Magazines - Vogue
2.2Magazines - GQ
2.3Advertising & Marketing
2.4Print Advertisements - Quality Street
2.5Print Advertisements - (2026 Exams) This Girl Can
2.6Print Advertisements - (2027 Exams) NHS 111
2.7Film Posters (Marketing)
2.8Film - No Time To Die
2.9Newspapers
2.11The Guardian
2.12(2028 Exams) The Sun
2.13(2028 Exams) The Guardian
3Component 1: Section B
3.1Video Games
3.2Video Games - Fortnite
3.4Radio
3.5Radio - The Archers
3.6(2027 Exams) Radio - Desert Island Discs
4Component 2: Section A
4.1Television
4.3Sitcom - Modern Family
4.4Sitcom - Man Like Mobeen
4.5(2026 Exams) Luther
5Component 2: Section B
5.1Music Video
5.2Lizzo - 'Good as Hell'
5.3Taylor Swift - 'The Man'
5.4Stormzy - 'Superheroes'
5.5Justin Bieber - 'Intentions'
5.6TLC - 'Waterfalls'
5.7Duran Duran - 'Rio'
5.8Online Media - Lizzo
5.9Online Media - Taylor Swift
5.10Online Media - Stormzy
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