Cross-media ownership

Definition

Cross-media ownership refers to the practice where a single entity or corporation owns multiple types of media outlets across different platforms, such as television, radio, newspapers, and digital media. This ownership structure can significantly influence the content and distribution of news and information, leading to concerns about media diversity and the potential for monopolistic practices in the media landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cross-media ownership can lead to a reduction in local news coverage as larger companies may focus on profit-driven content rather than community-oriented journalism.
2. Regulatory bodies often impose restrictions on cross-media ownership to prevent excessive concentration of media power, aiming to promote competition and media diversity.
3. This practice has been criticized for potentially creating echo chambers where similar viewpoints are amplified while dissenting voices are marginalized.
4. Cross-media ownership has been linked to the decline in print newspaper circulation, as many consumers turn to online platforms owned by the same corporations.
5. As technology evolves, companies are increasingly exploring cross-platform strategies, merging traditional media with digital channels to reach wider audiences.

Review Questions

• How does cross-media ownership impact the diversity of news coverage in a community?
  • Cross-media ownership often reduces the diversity of news coverage by allowing a single entity to control multiple outlets in one market. This can lead to similar reporting across different platforms, limiting the range of perspectives presented to the audience. As a result, local issues may receive less attention, and the overall quality of journalism can suffer due to profit-driven motives overshadowing community needs.
• Discuss the regulatory measures that are in place to address cross-media ownership and their effectiveness.
  • Regulatory measures aimed at addressing cross-media ownership include limits on how many different types of media outlets one company can own within a specific market. These regulations are intended to prevent monopolistic practices and ensure a diverse media landscape. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on enforcement and evolving market dynamics, leading to ongoing debates about how best to maintain media plurality in the face of consolidation trends.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of cross-media ownership on journalism quality and public discourse.
  • The long-term implications of cross-media ownership on journalism quality and public discourse are concerning. As fewer companies control more media outlets, there's a risk that critical journalism may decline in favor of sensationalism or profit-driven content. This trend can undermine informed public debate by limiting access to diverse viewpoints and critical analysis. Ultimately, if audiences are not exposed to varied perspectives, it could weaken democratic engagement and reduce accountability in both media and government.

Related terms

Media Consolidation: The process where fewer companies own an increasing number of media outlets, which can limit the diversity of viewpoints available to the public.

Monopoly: A market structure where a single seller dominates the entire market, potentially stifling competition and leading to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.

Pluralism: The concept that a variety of media sources should exist to ensure a diverse range of viewpoints, fostering democratic debate and informed citizenship.