2018 Media Ownership Study

Definition

The 2018 Media Ownership Study is a comprehensive analysis that examines the state of media ownership in the United States, focusing on the concentration of media outlets and its implications for diversity and democracy. The study highlights trends in consolidation among media conglomerates, showing how a small number of companies control a significant portion of the media landscape. This concentration raises concerns about the representation of diverse voices and viewpoints in public discourse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 2018 Media Ownership Study revealed that just six corporations owned over 90% of the media outlets in the U.S., indicating extreme concentration.
2. The study emphasized that media consolidation can limit the diversity of viewpoints available to consumers, which is crucial for informed decision-making.
3. It found that regions with fewer media owners tend to experience less local news coverage and reduced public interest journalism.
4. The report highlighted concerns that this concentration negatively impacts democracy by reducing the range of voices in public debates and civic discussions.
5. Recommendations from the study include policy changes to promote competition and support independent media outlets to ensure a more diverse media landscape.

Review Questions

• How does the 2018 Media Ownership Study illustrate the effects of media consolidation on public discourse?
  • The 2018 Media Ownership Study illustrates that media consolidation leads to a concentration of control over information sources, with just a handful of companies dominating the market. This scenario limits the diversity of viewpoints that reach audiences, potentially skewing public discourse and diminishing the quality of information available to citizens. By showing how fewer owners result in less local reporting and reduced diversity in coverage, the study raises alarms about the impact on democratic engagement and informed citizenship.
• What recommendations does the 2018 Media Ownership Study make to enhance diversity in media ownership, and why are these important?
  • The 2018 Media Ownership Study recommends several measures aimed at promoting diversity in media ownership, such as implementing policies that support independent and local media outlets and revising regulations that facilitate corporate mergers. These recommendations are important because they aim to counteract the dominance of a few major players in the media landscape. By encouraging a broader range of ownership, these measures can help ensure that diverse voices are heard, fostering a healthier democratic environment where multiple perspectives contribute to public discussions.
• Evaluate the broader implications of the findings from the 2018 Media Ownership Study for democratic society and citizen engagement.
  • The findings from the 2018 Media Ownership Study have profound implications for democratic society and citizen engagement. With most media being controlled by a limited number of conglomerates, there is a risk that essential news coverage may prioritize corporate interests over public needs. This concentration undermines informed citizen engagement by restricting access to diverse viewpoints and critical local issues. As a result, citizens may feel alienated from important civic discussions, which can diminish their participation in democracy and weaken societal cohesion.

Related terms

Media Consolidation: The process by which a few large corporations acquire a significant number of media outlets, reducing competition and diversity in the media landscape.

Diversity of Voices: The representation of a wide range of perspectives, opinions, and cultural narratives in media content, essential for a healthy democratic society.

FCC (Federal Communications Commission): A U.S. government agency responsible for regulating communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable, playing a key role in shaping media ownership policies.