Media theorists - industry

Question 1

What was Curran and seatons theory?

Answer 1

Curran and seatons theory is power in media.

They believe that media industries are dominated by a small number of giant conglomerates

They also believe that media industries are all about profit and power

They also believe that these factors lead to a lack in variety in the media, and there isn’t much of a choice / diversity in media industries

Question 2

What was livingstone and lunts theory?

Answer 2

Livingstone and lunts theory is regulation.

• They believe that regulation of the media is difficult due to several reasons.
• Regulators have to try and balance protecting people with offering them choice - citizen based and consumer based regulation
• Technology has made regulation difficult.
• Downloading, streaming, piracy, youtube etc means people can bypass controls like age certificates
• -The vast nature of the internet makes it impossible to control
• Powerful companies can avoid regulations

Question 3

What was hesmondhalghs theory?

Answer 3

Hesmondhalghs theory is cultural industries

He believes media industries need to minimise risk and maximise profit to be successful

The ways he says to minimise risk and maximise profit:
- vertical or horizontal integration
- working across a variety of media platforms
- Focus on popular genres
- Controlled release schedule
- detailed marketing campaign