#9: EOTO Media Consolidation

Media consolidation is the process where a few large companies or corporations gain control and acquire a significant portion over media outlets. This includes everything from television networks, radio stations, and online platforms. Media consolidation limits diverse perspectives by dominating the news to be owned by a few corporations. 

The history of media consolidation dates back to the 1930s. The Federal Communications Commission was established in 1934 to preserve media diversity. For years, the FCC put in place regulations to prevent one corporation from owning too many television stations, newspapers, etc.

However, during the Reagan administration, FCC Chairman Mark Fowler began to push a deregulatory view​. This shift in perspective encouraged the creation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. It raised the caps on the number of stations or papers a corporation could own. In addition, it allowed a corporation to reach of higher percentage of the national audience.

The result of this was a massive deregulation that encouraged media corporations to take control over smaller platforms. In 1983, 90% of media outlets were controlled by around 50 companies. In 2023, they are controlled by what is known as the “Big Six”. These include Comcast, Disney, AT&T, Paramount, Sony and Fox. 

The positives of media consolidation are increased productivity and efficiency. These large news outlets can spread information quickly across multiple platforms, reaching a wider audience. In addition, this situation might decrease costs, in comparison to a local source. However, these benefits are good in theory, without taking into account business corruption. 

On the other hand, the negatives of media consolidation impact society on a large scale. When fewer voices control the media, it limits diverse perspectives. In addition, it may limit the public access to information, if corporations gatekeep or hide certain information or events. Local news or independent journalists often struggle against the competition, resulting in one narrative being pushed. 

Additionally, another significant issue is bias. Large corporations are often loyal to specific political affiliations and personal interests. This may cause the publicized information to be skewed to push one viewpoint. In addition, this leads to distrust in the media. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, only about 20 percent of Americans have trust in their news and television. With this decrease in trust, people may turn to extremist or unreliable sources. Overall, this may be dangerous to the public and increase polarization. 

The real-world influence of media consolidation will affect people in society differently. While the wealthy may profit for these business endeavors, the poor will not always have the resources to find trustworthy platforms. This may result in more disparities between economic classes. In addition, marginalized voices will be hurt and underrepresented in mainstream media. To conclude, media consolidation may wedge a father gap between the majority and minorities. 

The issue of media consolidation personally affects me and my generation. In today’s world, people of all ages, but especially young people gather their information from social media and online networks. We depend on mainstream media for entertainment, as well as to form social, economic, and political beliefs. However, with the rise of media consolidation it becomes difficult to trust and truly understand what is happening in the world.

In addition, I believe that media consolidation is a threat to democracy. When the ownership of mainstream media platforms is controlled by a few powerful people, they have control over influencing the public’s opinions and actions. 

To fight back against these problems, we need to encourage our government to increase regulations on media corporations. Another way to combat these corporations is to support local and independent journalism and news sources.  Also, people need to stay educated and aware of how media consolidation impacts them. I advise that everyone be more cautious of what news they trust and find the background on their sources.

With the increase of our dependence on media, people need to stay informed on how media consolidation influences our world.