Control of the Media
Sociology: AQA A Level, topic 9.1.2
Control of the Media
The ownership and control of the media is becoming more concentrated, resulting in less consumer choice. There are seven main factors that have contributed to this decline of choice.
Ownership
- The ownership and control of the media is becoming more concentrated.
- This means that fewer and fewer people own and control media outlets.
- As a direct result of this process audiences are starting to experience a lack of choice and alternative media sources.
- There are seven main factors that have contributed to this decline of choice.
Reasons one and two
- Concentration of ownership:
- The mass media is owned and controlled by a small number of individuals and transnational companies.
- Horizontal integration:
- This is when large media companies own various types of media.
Reasons three and four
- Global conglomeration:
- This is where media companies operate in the global market. E.g. producing newspapers in many countries.
- Diversification:
- This is when companies branch out into new areas to spread their name/products.
Reasons five and six
- Vertical integration:
- This is where companies want to maximise their profits by controlling all aspects of the industry.
- Technological convergence:
- This is a relatively new concept; it’s where several technologies are put together in one product e.g. smart phones.
Reason seven
- Synergy:
- This is where media companies sell their product in different formats.
- E.g. a film will also be a video game, the soundtrack will be released as an album, toys and action figures are manufactured etc.
Test yourself on Control of the Media
What is the term for where several technologies are put together in one product?