Industry Theories

Question 1

Power and Media Industries Theory
James Curran and Jean Seaton

Answer 1

Media is controlled by a small number of companies primarily concerned with gaining profit and power.
Media concentration typically inhibits or limits variety, creativity and quality.
Socially diverse patterns of ownership help to create conditions for more varied and adventurous media products.

Question 2

Regulation Theory
Sonia Livingstone and Peter Lunt

Answer 2

There is an underlying struggle between the need to further the interests of citizens (protection from harmful material) and the interests of
consumers (choice, value, competition).
The rise of media conglomerations and the emerging production, distribution and marketing of digital media have placed traditional approaches to media regulation at risk.

Question 3

Cultural Industries Theory
David Hesmondhalgh

Answer 3

Media companies try to minimise risk and maximise audiences through vertical and horizontal integration and through the form of their media/cultural products (through genre, serial format and by including stars).
The largest companies and conglomerates now operate across a number of media industries.
The Internet, and its radical potential, has been partially contained by its incorporation into large, profit-oriented cultural companies