Is the Media Oligopoly Destroying Democracy?

For my research paper, I discussed the current ownership of the American media industry and how this industry has evolved over recent decades. The rapid and dramatic consolidation of ownership among powerful conglomerates has culturally redefined this country’s culture and values primarily through film, music and television. These popular mediums have significant impact on the well being of democracy, targeting the public as consumers as instead of informed citizens.
Television and film has evolved dramatically, glorifying socially sensitive issues and stigmas through the magnification and liberal use of these themes, such as promiscuity, drugs and violence. Audiences are able to inconsequentially enjoy socially unacceptable behaviours vicariously through the stars of reality television, drawing wide appeal and high ratings. Mega conglomerates controlling the media focus on high ratings and high profits, paying attention to what factors encourage the public to consume. The exploitation of socially sensitive issues is changes the values of the public, neglecting the importance of a citizenry.
Music is an important medium associated with artistic expression, historically defining culture through inspirational songs and artists. The music industry has become an oligopoly, controlled by conglomerates that have transformed art into business and artists into celebrities, primarily for marketing products and brands. Music, film and television have become mediums for not only entertainment, but a strategic collaboration of the media owners to distract the public from important social and political issues with advertisements, product placements and the importance of consumerism.
The quality and diversity of media content has been severely impacted, coming from a very narrow source of companies with objectives to exploit the public for increasing wealth, power and control. The mega conglomerates are giving audiences what they believe audiences like, and audiences are being submissive and accepting of the content that is provided without question. The failure for the public to take advantage of innovative mediums, such as the Internet, that have immense potential power for individuals to become involved is aids the dominant conglomerates in defeating public democracy with the transition into a consumer-based society.

To learn more about the American media industry and the impact on democracy, watch Bill Moyers special on the FCC Media Consolidation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sbJk1MurCk

The Persuaders

From watching the video, “The Persuaders,” I realized how careful individuals must be when they read the newspapers and watch news on the television. Famous consultants, such as Frank Luntz, believe they understand what is at the center core of humans, and what specifically drives individuals to buy and what affects individuals through research and strategy. Frank Luntz came up with several famous headlines, such as “War on Terror” and the “Death Tax.” Frank Luntz believes this is just another way of saying “War on Iraq” and the “Estate Tax,” but it seems considerably clear that Luntz understands these carefully chosen words that have impact on audiences are used to take advantage of individuals through scare tactics and misguided information.
Too many Americans don’t understand domestic issues because they are reading papers and watching news programs that are full of misleading slogans. The famous headline “The War on Terror” leaves individuals scared, depending on any higher political power to save them from this frightening and intimidating “War on Terror.” Too many individuals fail to understand the issue with more depth because the headlines seem to say enough for some. The public is easily persuaded, especially through mediums suchs as television and the newspapers, which is concerning because these are sources where the public shouldn’t have to worry about manipulative campaigning and bias and misleading news. The public needs objective news, especially from popular and widely used mediums, otherwise the public wont be able to trust anything they read or hear.