Task 2: Pre project research

Who are the 'big six' media conglomerates? What type of media industries are these conglomerates working in? How much is each conglomerate worth?

The 'big six' media conglomerates are GE, News Corporation, Disney, Viacom, Time Warner and CBS.

GE

The industries this conglomerate is working in are Comcast, NBC, Universal Picture and Focus Features. This conglomerate is worth $13.96 billion.

News Corporation
The industries this conglomerate is working in are FOX, Wall Street Journal and New York Post. This conglomerate is worth $33 billion.Disney
The industries this conglomerate is working in are ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Miramax and Marvel Studios. This conglomerate is worth $40 billion.

Viacom
The industries this conglomerate is working in are MTV, Nick Junior, BET, CMT and Paramount Pictures. This conglomerate is worth $14 billion.

Time Warner
The industries this conglomerate is working in are CNN, HBO, Time and Warner Bros. This conglomerate is worth $29 billion.

CBS
The industries this conglomerate is working in are Showtime, Smithsonian Channel, NFL.com, Jeopardy and 60 Minutes. This conglomerate is worth $14 billion.


Conglomerates are MNCs , consisting of smaller companies called subsidiaries. What are the benefits of being part of a major media conglomerate?

There are some advantages in being part of a media conglomerate. These are: promoting each other, creating a good and sustainable reputation, advertising, and funding. An example of a conglomerate having these advantages is Disney. 

Ownership of media is shared by a select few. How might this affect the industry and audience?

Competition-  
Smaller companies have to compete against conglomerates. For example a small individual specialist toy shop e.g Toymaster would find it hard to compete against a worldwide known shop like the Disney Store. 

Employment-  
The industry is competitive so the conglomerates only hire multi-talented staff who will settle for a reduced salary. For example News Corporation will hire highly qualified staff who will be payed little.  

 Independent media companies-
An independent company wont have as many resources than the conglomerates so they find it hard to compete.

The audience/products-
 the company may lose out on the money if the quality of the product does not meet standards. People would not want to buy expensive products. There is competition with prices , people like to shop around.