GCSE Media Studies: Media Industries Revision Guide

Ownership and conglomerates

Many media products are owned by large companies called conglomerates, which control multiple outlets across film, television, print and online platforms. When a small number of companies dominate a market, this is called an oligopoly. Vertical integration is when a company controls every stage of production, from creating content to distributing it, while horizontal integration is when a company buys up competitors making similar products to increase its market share.

Funding models

Media products are funded in different ways. Advertising-funded media relies on companies paying to promote their products within content. Subscription models charge audiences a regular fee for ongoing access, common with streaming services. Some media, such as public service broadcasting, is funded through a licence fee or public funding rather than commercial income, which can affect the type of content produced.

Regulation

Media industries are regulated to protect audiences and maintain standards. In the UK, a broadcasting regulator (such as Ofcom) oversees standards and accuracy in television and radio. A classification body (such as the BBFC) rates films and some video content with age ratings to protect younger audiences. A press standards body (such as IPSO) handles complaints about accuracy and conduct in newspapers and magazines. Regulation exists because unregulated media could spread harmful, inaccurate or offensive content without consequence.

Technological convergence

Technological convergence describes how previously separate technologies have merged into single devices, such as smartphones combining cameras, internet access and telephones. This has changed how media industries operate, allowing content to be distributed across multiple platforms simultaneously and giving audiences more control over when and how they consume media.

Media plurality

Media plurality refers to the importance of having a wide range of independent voices and owners in the media, rather than a small number of conglomerates controlling most output. A lack of plurality can limit the diversity of opinions and representations audiences are exposed to, which is why regulators monitor levels of cross-media ownership.

Common mistakes

• Confusing vertical integration (controlling all stages of production) with horizontal integration (buying up competitors).
• Naming a regulator without explaining what specifically it regulates.
• Forgetting to link funding models to the type of content or level of independence a producer has.