Ownership and control of the media

Ownership and Control of the Media

  • The ownership and control of media institutions can greatly influence the nature of media content.
  • Critics argue that when few individuals or corporations have control over media outlets, this can cause a concentration of power, leading to potential censorship or bias.
  • Murdoch’s News Corporation is an example of global media conglomerates which own significant portions of the media, including newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, and online platforms.

Theories on Media Control

  • Pluralists argue that the free market and competition encourage diversity in the media. They believe the public has ultimate control as they can choose what to consume.
  • On the contrary, neo-Marxists uphold that media ownership equates to ideological control. They argue that media owners use their platforms to propagate ideologies that serve their interests.
  • Manipulative model theorists, an extension of the Marxist perspective, contend that the media serves the ruling class, manipulating the public into accepting the status quo.

Public vs Private Ownership

  • Publicly owned media, like the BBC, are supposed to serve public interest, offering unbiased, quality content. However, they may be influenced by government agendas.
  • Privately owned media can lead to monopolisation and control by business interests. Quality content may be compromised due to the drive for profits.

Regulation of Media

  • The Office of Communications (Ofcom) regulates UK’s broadcasting sector, ensuring diversity and quality in television and radio services.
  • However, critics argue that such regulation can potentially interfere with freedom of speech, echoing the concerns of libertarian theorists.

Impact of New Media

  • Technological advancements have led to a democratisation of content production, giving rise to citizen journalism and user-generated content.
  • The influence of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter has grown, challenging traditional media power. However, concerns have arisen over the centralisation of online power in these platforms.
  • Privacy concerns and the spread of ‘fake news’ or misinformation have further intensified discussions about the regulation of new media.