Media Industries
Media Studies: Eduqas GCSE, topic 4.3.3
Modern Family - Media industries
Modern Family reflects modern TV industry trends: streaming, global reach, and corporate power.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Test yourself on Media Industries
Who created Modern Family?
Why did NBC reject Modern Family before ABC accepted it?