21st Century Fox

Definition

21st Century Fox was a major media conglomerate that operated a vast array of television networks, film studios, and other entertainment ventures, significantly shaping global media landscapes. Known for its ownership of Fox Broadcasting Company and major film studios like 20th Century Fox, the company played a pivotal role in the development of contemporary media conglomerates and their influence on public discourse and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 21st Century Fox was created in 2013 as a spinoff from News Corporation, primarily focusing on film and television production and distribution.
2. The company was known for its significant investments in news media, including ownership of Fox News Channel, which became a major player in U.S. political discourse.
3. 21st Century Fox owned several popular television networks, including FX and National Geographic, as well as major sports broadcasting rights.
4. In December 2017, Disney announced its intent to acquire most of 21st Century Fox's assets for $71.3 billion, a deal finalized in March 2019.
5. The merger with Disney led to significant changes in the media landscape, consolidating many popular franchises and intellectual properties under one umbrella.

Review Questions

• Discuss the impact of 21st Century Fox on the global media landscape and its role as a media conglomerate.
  • 21st Century Fox significantly impacted the global media landscape by consolidating numerous media assets and creating synergies across its various platforms. As a leading media conglomerate, it influenced how content was produced and distributed, shaping viewing habits worldwide. Its ownership of major networks and production studios allowed it to dominate both television ratings and box office performance, illustrating the power dynamics at play within the industry.
• Evaluate the implications of Rupert Murdoch's leadership on 21st Century Fox's strategies and business practices.
  • Rupert Murdoch's leadership had profound implications for 21st Century Fox’s strategies and business practices. His aggressive approach to acquisitions and content creation positioned the company as a formidable player in both news and entertainment. Under his direction, 21st Century Fox often took bold stances on controversial issues, particularly through its news outlets, which shaped public opinion and discourse in significant ways.
• Analyze the consequences of the Disney-Fox merger on the media industry and audience consumption patterns.
  • The Disney-Fox merger had far-reaching consequences for the media industry and audience consumption patterns by dramatically altering market dynamics. The consolidation of iconic franchises under Disney led to a more streamlined content strategy but also raised concerns about reduced competition within the industry. As Disney integrated Fox's assets into its ecosystem, audiences experienced shifts in programming availability and brand alignment, influencing how content is consumed across various platforms and impacting viewer loyalty to specific brands.

Related terms

Media Conglomerate: A corporation that owns multiple media businesses across different platforms, such as television, radio, print, and online content.

Rupert Murdoch: An influential media mogul and founder of 21st Century Fox, known for his extensive investments in media and telecommunications.

Disney-Fox Merger: The acquisition of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company in 2019, resulting in Disney gaining control over several key assets of Fox's entertainment portfolio.