Structure and Ownership of the Creative Media Sector

1) Describe the current ownership of the creative media sector
The creative media sector is owned by a small number of conglomerate companies. For example, Disney is owned by a few major companies, Disney World, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Disney Channel and Marvel Comics. 

2) Who are the 'big six' media conglomerates? What type of media industries are these conglomerates working in? How much is each conglomerate worth?
The 'big six' media conglomerates are GE, News Corporation, Disney, Viacom, Time Warner and CBS.

GE
The industries this conglomerate is working in are Comcast, NBC, Universal Picture and Focus Features. This conglomerate is worth $13.96 billion.

News Corporation
The industries this conglomerate is working in are FOX, Wall Street Journal and New York Post. This conglomerate is worth $33.4 billion.

Disney
The industries this conglomerate is working in are ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Miramax and Marvel Studios. This conglomerate is worth $40.1 billion.

Viacom
The industries this conglomerate is working in are MTV, Nick Junior, BET, CMT and Paramount Pictures. This conglomerate is worth $14.9 billion.

Time Warner
The industries this conglomerate is working in are CNN, HBO, Time and Warner Bros. This conglomerate is worth $29 billion.

CBS
The industries this conglomerate is working in are Showtime, Smithsonian Channel, NFL.com, Jeopardy and 60 Minutes. This conglomerate is worth $14.2 billion.

3) Conglomerates are multi-national companies, consisting of much smaller companies known as subsidiaries. What are the benefits of being part of a major media conglomerate?
There are a few advantages in being part of a major media conglomerate. These consist of promoting each other, creating a good and sustainable reputation, advertising, and funding. For example, Disney's financial development is so sustainable that they have nothing to worry about with their subsidiaries. As well as the subsidiary companies having more publicity, being part of a major media conglomerate will also give them the advantage of not having to change their company name, logo, or staff.

4) 'Ownership of media is shared by a select few'. How might this affect the industry and audience?

• Competition - Many smaller companies have to compete against conglomerates to get their products known.
• Employment - With the competition getting more intense, employment would be harder to come by because the employers would be looking for the very top colleges and require them to be skilled in different areas of the media sector rather than just specialising is one. For instance, a journalist could write their story and do the editing themselves.
• Independent media companies - Independent media companies may suffer compared to big companies because it is hard for these independent companies to match the quality and success of what the conglomerate companies can produce. 
• The Audience/Products - The audience do not have much choice of where to buy their products from due to the ownership of media being shared by a select few. Although, the products quality will not change and will reach the audiences needs. The products are also being produced at a high quality to satisfy the audience up to date.

Bauer Media

1) What does Bauer Media do?

Bauer Media is a multi-platform UK-based media group that consists of many companies collected around magazines and radio. They are widely recognized as being industry innovators.

2) What was the turnover for Bauer Media in 2010?
An expected 2.029 billion euros has generated an overall turnover.

3) Which media products does the company produce? (Brands)
4Music, AM, Closer, CLICK!, Land Rover Owner International, Magic, MOTOR, Mother & Baby, Wave 105, The Hits, etc.

4) How do the products make a profit?
As Bauer Media are operating in 15 countries with a wide range of products, in gives them a very big income. With the increasing income, they can provide the resources they need to satisfy the customers. This means the profit will be much greater for them if the products are more successful.

5) Which countries does Bauer Media operate in?
The Group is a worldwide media empire and operates in 15 countries.

6) List the two subsidiaries owned by Bauer Media.
Bauer Radio and Box Television.

7) What advantages might Bauer Media have over its competitors? How might Bauer Media take advantage of its subsidiaries?
Bauer Media owns 50% of Box Television and the other 50% is owned by Channel Four Television Corporation.

8) What might be the future for Bauer Media? How could the company grow? What opportunities does Bauer Media have?
The future for Bauer Media could include even more brands signing up to work with them which would increase the companies growth. Bauer Media has the opportunity to possibly become a worldwide organization by covering all the sections of media.