Media - ownership and control Flashcards
(133 cards)
1
Q
Marxists believe that the concentration of media ownership is…
A
inherently dangerous, as
the capitalist ideals are being transmitted more
intensely.
2
Q
MEDIA PROFESSIONALISM
(definition)
A
The idea that concentration of ownership is bad, is criticised by some sociologists
3
Q
Arguments of media professionalism
A
- Just because 1 corporation owns many outlets, doesn’t mean it turns into a giant brainwashing machine with all employees also
brainwashed. - Individual companies and individuals within corporations have agency to speak, write and edit how they want.
- This is part of journalistic professionalism.
4
Q
MEDIA AUDIENCES - ACTIVE?
A
Even if journalists abandoned their professionalism, and started writing just what their bosses told them to write, the audience don’t passively believe everything and can be critical and selective
5
Q
Ownership and control - The BBC , PSBs
A
Pluralists:
- point out that Public Service Broadcasting is still popular and owned by the public
- say these are impartial
6
Q
What factors do Marxists believe that the government overrides?
A
- Media professionalism
- Impartialism
- Active audiences
7
Q
Marxist beliefs of ownership & control
A
- state controls
- role of ideology
8
Q
Marxists - state control
(ownership & control)
A
- The state can have huge power in relationship to the media.
- Depending on the gov. and ppl in power, the media can be changed drastically:
● The state can put controls on what media companies can do/own
● The state can control the content media companies put out
9
Q
what do marxists think happens through the media
A
transition of capitalist ideology
10
Q
Marxism - the role of ideology
(ownership & control)
A
Believe that the media creates false class-consciousness, through which the working class believe that meritocracy exists and society is fair
11
Q
Disney working class study
A
USE NOTES! ADD TO THIS
12
Q
The media & ideology - Miliband (1973)
A
Conservative and **conformist **ideology comes across as fact in the media
e.g articles on immigration/benefits being ‘bad’
13
Q
The media & ideology - Tunstall and Palmer (1991)
A
Government not interested in
controlling media because of ‘regulatory favours’
14
Q
regulatory favours - Tunstall & Palmer , example
A
SITUATION:
1) One of Rupert Murdoch’s papers publishes an article that
the conservative party don’t like
2) The Conservatives could then set about creating restrictions, or penalising Murdoch
3) Murdoch’s papers turn against the Conservatives
which would see them lose power.
( So instead, Tunstall and Palmer argue the media are left to do as they please!)
15
Q
Ownership and control - 3 🔑 approaches
A
1) The manipulative approach (aka instrumental approach)
2) The hegemonic approach
3) The pluralist approach Associated with pluralism (obviously)
16
Q
The manipulative approach , associated with?
A
traditional Marxism
17
Q
The hegemonic approach, associated with?
A
neo-Marxism
18
Q
The pluralist approach , associated with?
A
pluralism (obviously)
19
Q
The Manipulative approach
(Owners)
A
Directly control and manipulate the content and audiences
- to protect their profits
- and spread the dominant ideology
20
Q
The Manipulative approach
(media editors and managers)
A
have little choice but to run the media within the boundaries set by the owner.
21
Q
The Manipulative approach
(audiences)
A
sees audiences as passive
- a mass of easily manipulated, unthinking and uncritical robots.
22
Q
The manipulative approach - Evans
A
Argues that media moguls such as Murdoch undermine editorial independence and press editorial staff to adopt the same right-wing, conservative views as the moguls.
23
Q
The Hegemonic approach
(media owners)
A
Although they have powerful influence, they rarely have day-to-day control of the media content, which is left in the
hands of editors and journalists
24
Q
The Hegemonic approach
(staff)
A
have some independence, but still support the dominant ideology by choice
- not because they are manipulated into doing so
- have some independence, but still support the dominant ideology by choice, not because they are manipulated into doing so
25
The Hegemonic approach
(trend amongst journalists)
The GMG state that:
most journalists tend to be white, middle-class and male, therefore share the same views as the dominant class
26
The Hegemonic approach
(media managers and journalists)
do not want to upset owners, but also need to attract audiences and advertisers
- Journalist news values sometimes go against the dominant ideology, but this is to attract audiences and make a profit
27
The Hegemonic approach
('agenda setting' / 'gatekeeping') - explored by?
- explored by the GMG
- they believe is a process where some news is excluded from reporting
- meaning that audiences have little choice of media content, as products are produced in the framework of the
dominant ideology.
28
The Pluralist approach
(media content)
- not driven by a dominant ideology or the political interests of owners, but instead the fight for profit through high circulation and audience figures.
- There is a wide range of competing media platforms
and products that reflect a wide range of audience interests and choices
29
The Pluralist approach
( government intervention)
Media is generally free of government intervention and ownership, and can present whatever viewpoint they want
30
The Pluralist approach
(audiences)
- free to ‘pick and mix’ whatever interpretation suits them
- they have the freedom to accept, reject / re-interpret media content in accordance with taste and beliefs.
31
James Curran’s Research on Media Ownership - what did he do?
- extensively examined the interplay between media ownership and democracy.
- In his influential work Power Without Responsibility, co-authored with Jean Seaton, Curran
32
James Curran’s Research on Media Ownership - critiques?
The concentration of media ownership
- arguing that it undermines democratic processes by limiting diverse and reinforcing elite interests.
33
James Curran’s Research on Media Ownership - emphasises?
The importance of public service broadcasting as a counterbalance to commercial media
34
James Curran’s Research on Media Ownership - advocates for?
structures that promote editorial independence and serve the public interest.
35
Who is The Glasgow University Media Group (GUMG) (GMG)
a collective of researchers known for their critical analyses of media content, particularly television new
36
The Glasgow University Media Group's seminal study
Their seminal study, Bad News, highlighted how media narratives often reflect the perspectives of dominant societal groups
37
GUMG posits that media content tends to support the interests of...
the capitalist system
- not necessarily through deliberate bias, but as an unintended consequence of the social backgrounds of journalists and broadcasters, who are predominantly white, middle-class, and male
38
Why Journalism is Profit-Driven
Journalism operates within a commercial framework where profitability is a primary concern.
39
Effect of journalism being profit driven
- profit motive influences media ownership structures
- leading to consolidation and the prioritization of content that attracts large audiences and advertisers.
40
consequences of of journalism being profit driven
- media organizations may focus on sensationalism or entertainment at the expense of in-depth reporting
- potentially compromising journalistic integrity and the diversity of viewpoints presented to the public.
41
What is Meant by ‘Agenda Setting’
refers to the media's ability to influence the importance placed on topics of the public agenda
- By choosing which stories to highlight, the media shapes what audiences perceive as significant issues
- thereby directing public discourse and potentially influencing policy decisions.
42
What is Meant by ‘The Fallacy of Choice’
describes the illusion of diversity in media options, where numerous outlets appear to offer varied content, but are actually controlled by a few conglomerates
43
‘The Fallacy of Choice’ - concentration limits...
genuine diversity in perspectives and content, as the underlying ownership influences the narratives and information disseminated, despite the appearance of choice.
44
The manipulative approach - ROLE OF OWNERS
Direct control
45
The manipulative approach -MEDIA CONTENT
Dominant ideology
46
The manipulative approach - ROLE OF MEDIA MANAGERS AND JOURNALISTS
Told what to do by owners
47
The manipulative approach - VIEW OF AUDIENCE
Passive (told what to believe)
48
The Hegemonic approach - ROLE OF OWNERS
Influence and
persuasion
49
The Hegemonic approach - MEDIA CONTENT
Dominant ideology with some deviation
50
The Hegemonic approach - ROLE OF MEDIA MANAGERS AND JOURNALISTS
Independence, but they share the same ideology
51
The Hegemonic approach - VIEW OF AUDIENCE
Passive (persuaded)
52
The pluralist approach - ROLE OF OWNERS
No direct control
53
The pluralist approach - MEDIA CONTENT
Meeting the audience’s
need, as they strive for
profit
54
The pluralist approach -ROLE OF MEDIA MANAGERS AND
JOURNALISTS
Highly independent
55
The pluralist approach - VIEW OF AUDIENCE
Active
56
Types of media
1. The print media
2. The audio-visual media
3. Cyber and digital media
57
number of media outlets
● On the surface the number of media outlets available to the
general public has increased dramatically.
● In the 1980s = only 4 main terrestrial channels.
● This increase in outlets indicates that there is more choice now than ever in terms of the media we consume.
58
Concentration (media outlets)
Although the n. of outlets has increased, there has been
an increased concentration of ownership into a few giant
media corporations.
59
Bagdikian (2004)
- 1983 = 50 corporations controlled the vast majority of all media in the USA.
- However, in 1992, 22 companies owned and operated 90% of the media.
- The UK magazine market is dominated by TWO major companies.
- 27 million adults read magazines by IPC
60
Bagdikian -1983 =
____ corporations controlled the vast majority of all media in the ____
50 corporations controlled the vast majority of all media in the USA
61
Bagdikian - However, in ____, __ companies owned and operated ___% of the media
However, in 1992, 22 companies owned and operated 90% of the media
62
The UK magazine market is dominated by ___ major companies. ___
million adults read magazines by ____
The UK magazine market is dominated by TWO major companies. 27
million adults read magazines by IPC
63
Media Companies have become more...
1) transnational
2) diverse
3) conglomerates
64
Media Companies have become more transnational
exist in a number of different countries
65
Media Companies have become more diverse
have an interest in many different forms of media
66
Media Companies have become conglomerates
branched into different areas of economic activity
67
Media companies have become more transactional , diverse and conglomerates , what does this mean?
(marxists)
Marxists argue that these companies promote capitalist interests
68
Media companies have become more transactional , diverse and conglomerates , what does this mean?
(technology)
Technological developments mean you can watch MTV in India and CNN
anywhere in the world
69
Media companies have become more transactional , diverse and conglomerates , what does this mean?
(governments)
Governments no longer control what people see
70
MAIN CHANGES IN MEDIA OWNERSHIP
- Concentration of
Ownership
- Vertical Integration
- Horizontal Integration
- Technological Convergence
- Global Ownership
- Conglomeration and
Diversification
- Synergy
71
Main changes in media ownership - Concentration of
Ownership
Less companies are
owning increasingly
larger areas of the media
72
Main changes in media ownership - Vertical Integration
Concentration of
ownership in a single
medium (e.g. a film
company that also owns the cinema chain).
73
Main changes in media ownership - Horizontal Integration
Cross-media ownership -
e.g. owns film companies,
newspapers etc.
74
Main changes in media ownership - Technological
Convergence
Products are available in different forms that can be accessed on one
device.
75
Main changes in media ownership - Global Ownership
Media organisations
operate all around the
world.
76
Main changes in media ownership - Conglomeration and
Diversification
Companies having wide
variety of products
besides the media - e.g.
Virgin.
77
Main changes in media ownership - Synergy
Media companies
produce, promote and
sell a product in a variety of forms - e.g. a film, soundtrack and video game for a superhero
78
Pluralism
- consumer choice is the primary driver of media content
- believe there is
a wide variety of media available from a wide variety of sources and owners.
- popularity of shows, music, and articles is dictated by audience preferences rather than the personal biases of media owners.
79
____ billionaires own __% of the UK media
five billionaires own 80% of the UK media
80
which five billionaires own 80% of the UK media
Rupert Murdoch (owner of News International), Richard Desmond (who was the owner of the Express), Viscount Rothermere (owner of the Mail) and the Barclay Brothers (owners of the
Telegraph).
81
Even regional newspapers are now owned by
a small number of newspaper groups, rather than run locally and independently
82
There are also a couple of important public service organisations
By far the largest is the state broadcaster, the BBC. There is also Channel 4 which is also
publicly owned, but there are regular discussions about privatising it
83
While it is possible to overstate the
power of these media moguls in the UK, after all ...
newspaper sales have been falling rapidly for many years, and many more people get their news from the BBC, their dominance of the newspaper market is undeniable.
84
media mogul
An individual who owns a significant share of a media company, arguably providing them with significant control over that company’s media content.
85
classic example of media mogul
Rupert Murdoch, who owns a number of newspapers and TV broadcasting companies around the world
86
Curran (2003)
points out that it has always been this way (media moguls) : in 1937 four men owned
approximately half of all newspapers sold nationwide (including local newspapers).
87
Some features of media ownership in UK today include
* Horizontal integration
* Media convergence
* Global conglomerates
88
Horizontal integration
This is where a media company will expand, often by buying or merging with
competitors in a similar section of the market to them.
89
Media convergence
This is where different media corporations join with other companies to offer a
product or service.
eg, Microsoft’s Windows operating system is used on Samsung mobile phone technology. This is in contrast to Apple, that uses its own software system in its phone technology
90
Global conglomerates
This refers to companies that consist of a lot of different businesses/interests that may operate on an international level.
Many media companies have businesses across different countries
91
Traditional Marxists argue that
those who own the media also control it
92
Marxists note that the media is
- owned by members of the bourgeoisie: very wealthy business owners.
- They argue that these bourgeois owners instruct editors and journalists to put across particular messages to the audience.
93
marxists : the media is able to contribute towards creating a false class consciousness
- bourgeois owners instruct editors & journalists to put across particular messages to the audience.
- These messages spread the dominant ideology which seeks to justify the power and privilege of the bourgeoisie.
- Through this, the media is able to contribute towards creating a false class consciousness
94
This idea of direct control by owners is sometimes described as
The manipulative/instrumental approach
and is associated with the writings of Ralph Miliband.
95
Ralph Miliband
the editors and journalists in newspapers and other media organisations depend on the owners for their jobs and therefore will not use any apparent autonomy they may have to resist the dissemination of bourgeois ideology.
96
examples of owners directly interfering with the content of the media - Richard
Desmond, former owner of the Express
apparently regularly visited the newspaper offices making clear demand of what should be included.
97
While Rupert Murdoch claims he only took...
large, long-term decisions (such as which party the paper would support at a general election or what their view on the European Union should be) former editors of his have suggested a much more hands-on approach
98
Andrew Neil, who edited the Sunday Times for Murdoch said...
Murdoch was the de facto “editor in chief” of the Sun and, despite not seeing himself in that role for the Times or the Sunday Times, he did make direct interventions
(such as insisting that no articles were published that would offend the Malaysian
prime minster of the day).
99
Curran (2003) found lots of evidence of
owners directly manipulating media content
100
evidence Curran (2003) found
In the middle of the 20th century, “press barons” were quite open about their propagandist role,
and also that there have always been a lot more Conservative-supporting newspapers than those critical of that party, which
reflects them serving the interests of their wealthy owners
101
Curran argues that in the later 20th century and today owners are ...
even more interventionist, with again Rupert Murdoch being the obvious example
102
politicians clearly believe media moguls to... + example
to have a great deal of control over media content because they try to get on the right side of them
- Tony Blair famously flew to Australia to meet with Rupert Murdoch and was rewarded with the support of the Sun
103
One criticism of traditional Marxist theories of the ownership and control of the media comes from ...
neo-Marxists, who point out that the bourgeois owners of media companies do not have time to micro-manage media content.
104
Traditional Marxists suggest the owners have a clear...
political view and a clear set of economic interests, and ensure that their media companies project those views
and disseminates an ideology that supports their interests
105
Evaluating traditional Marxist views , in reality, owners ...
can have so many business interests that they can really only control the big picture, leaving real control of media content down to editors. Even the editors of large publications or programmes cannot control everything and give some autonomy to their journalists
106
pluralists argue that
proprietors are predominantly businessmen, not editors
107
James Whale (1997)
“media moguls” are busy dealing with
global business matters, not what story to run in a particular national newspaper
108
Roy Greenslade, asks...
why would you own a newspaper if not to try and put across your opinions?
109
Pluralists have a clear response to 'why would you own a newspaper if not to try and put across your opinions?'
to sell them and make lots of money
- Owners might intervene sometimes in media content, but they will do so
because they want to ensure good sales figures.
110
Neo-Marxists agree with Marxists that
The role of much of the media is the dissemination of bourgeois messages and ideology
111
Neo-Marxists - The role of much of the media is the dissemination of bourgeois messages and ideology
This is not because of the owners micromanaging the day-to-day content, but because the editors and many of the journalists come from privileged backgrounds too, and of course, they were employed by the owners or the company, who generally choose to employ
people whose opinions and values are a good fit with their own
112
The Glasgow University Media Group (GUMG) found that,
in the 1970s, the vast majority of journalists
working in the national media were white, middle-class (usually upper middle-class) men
113
__% of top journalists in Britain are privately educated , compared with __% of the population
51% , 7%
114
Only __% of top journalists went to comprehensive schools, compared with
__% of their readers.
19% , 90%
115
british journalists: __% are white; __% are men
94% = white; 55% = men
116
Jones suggests this is 'closed shop' journalism is getting worse rather than better
as the decline of local newspapers has removed one route that working-class people could take into a journalism career
117
For neo-Marxists, the journalists and editors are...
not necessarily consciously disseminating the dominant ideology, in order to create false class consciousness.
Instead, the ruling-class have established what Gramsci calls hegemony.
118
Gramsci
hegemony
119
hegemony (hegemonic approach)
Through this process, bourgeois ideology becomes viewed as common sense.
Alternative views are often seen as either extremist or ridiculous
120
hegemonic approach contrasts with
the traditional Marxist manipulative/instrumental approach.
121
The GUMG also acknowledge that staying
within the
“common sense”, middle-of-the-road set of views is also down to commercial considerations:
an attempt to offend as few viewers or readers as possible.
122
James Whale (1997
The views and approaches contained
Within mainstream media is not a result of the social background of editors and journalists, but instead, a result of the market demands of the audience
123
If some positions, attitudes and values are
more prevalent in the media than others, it is because
those are the ones that audiences demand
124
Pluralists would further point out that there is a diverse array of ...
- media companies and media outlets.
- While the most popular might present a particular worldview, there are plenty of other media outlets that present alternative worldviews.
-The parts of the audience that want to
read/hear that already can do.
- If they appealed to more of the audience, they would take over from other organisations as the popular, well-known newspapers or channels
125
Pluralists dismiss the idea that
the media moguls and press barons control media content.
126
horizontal integration
media copany will expand, often by buying / merging with competitors in a similar section of the marker to them
127
media convergence
different media corporations join with other companies to offer a product or service
128
global conglomerates
companies that consist of a lot of different businesses / interests that may operate on an international level
129
media mogul
an individual who owns a significant share of a media company , arguably providing them with significant control over that company's media content
130
techonological developments
you can watch things anywhere
131
vertical integration
concentration of ownership in a single medium
132
technological convergence
products available in diff forms that can be accessed on one device ( eg online newspapers)
133
pluralism
- perspective that believes the opposit epf ownership concentration
- believe there is a wide variety of media available from a wide variety of sources & owners
