...2013 Media Conglomerate Ownership in the U.S. The United States is being greatly affected by conglomerate ownership of media properties in today's industry. A conglomerate is formed when a large company merges with separate and diverse small firms. By definition a media conglomerate is a large company or corporation that has merged with a number of different media outlets such as TV, radio, newspapers and Internet. Big companies have the tendency to expand by diversifying their holdings among different media products, never fully dominating a particular media industry. A decreasing number of organizations gaining control over an increasing amount of mass media, which defines media consolidation, leads to an oligopoly in the marketplace. Large companies create an oligopoly when only a handful of them dominate the industry and face little economic competition from small independent firms.[1] In 1983, a total of fifty corporations dominated most of the media industry. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, that number shrunk to twenty-nine by 1987. Twenty-three companies had control of the industry by 1990 and in 1997 that number was ten. Presently, media ownership has been concentrated in the hands of only six extremely powerful media conglomerates.[2] The six corporations that control media collectively in the United States today are Comcast, The Walt Disney Company, CBS Corporation, Time Warner, Viacom and News Corporation.[3] These corporate media giants...
Words: 1589 - Pages: 7
...section, you should be able to understand: • trends and patterns in ownership and control of a range of mass media • the theoretical perspectives on the relationship between ownership and control of the media Trends in ownership and control KEY POINT - Recent trends in media ownership and control suggest that the number of companies controlling global mass media has significantly shrunk in recent years. Bagdikian (2004) notes that in 1983, 50 corporations controlled the vast majority of all news media in the USA, but by 2004 media ownership was concentrated in seven corporations. Curran (2003) notes that ownership of British newspapers has always been concentrated in the hands of a few powerful ‘press barons’, e.g. in 1937 four men owned nearly one in every two national and local daily newspapers sold in Britain. Today, seven powerful individuals dominate the ownership of British national daily and Sunday newspapers. The content of commercial terrestrial television is mainly controlled by one company, ITV plc, whilst access to satellite, cable and digital television in Britain is generally controlled by two companies – News Corp, (owned by Rupert Murdoch) which owns BSkyB, and Virgin Media (owned by Richard Branson). Global conglomeration KEY POINT - The major difference in media ownership and control compared with forty years ago is the movement of media corporations into the global marketplace. The major media companies are now global conglomerations – transnational corporations...
Words: 2253 - Pages: 10
...Evaluate the pluralist view of the ownership and control of the mass media The mass media is the means by which messages and images are communicated to a mass audience, it does this through its various Mass Communication Technologies (MCTs), and for instance the Internet is a very powerful and influential MCT communicating worldwide. MCTs educate, persuade and inform as well as entertain their audience. Media is geographically dispersed and has no limits due to its global domination. It is also culturally diverse and socially mixed. Pluralists believe that the mass media is reflective of social reality, and acts as a 'mirror'. They state that it has a functional role in meeting the demands of its mass audience, and thus owes a duty to the people. Marxists on the other hand would argue that the media constructs desires and creates social reality. In other words it is a sculptor of a worldview and distorts social reality which is based on exploitation of a powerless majority, thus it is an ideological tool of the powerful bourgeoisie and reflects their interests. Over eighty percent of the media is owned by Trans National Corporations. But does ownership have any effect on the media coordinators? According to pluralists the answer is simply no. They back this by highlighting the fact that power is dispersed within society and that different pressure and interest groups all influence the media, which reacts accordingly. For instance Green Peace;...
Words: 624 - Pages: 3
...According to Stephen Peach, the legal world of interactive digitized media – and the rights inherent in use and fair use – is one of broad confusion. All such media includes: visual, textual, and / or audio elements; digital storage; and an aspect of interactivity by the end user and delivers in such forms as “…computer games, interactive websites, DVDs and mobile telephones through ‘infotainment’ products … compendiums of film reviews … still photographs and theme songs, to educational products such as interactive encyclopedias” (114). With such a vast array of multimedia products and their producer’s intent to multi-purpose each venue for optimal revenue, legal issues loom ever larger over intellectual property (IP) rights and copyrighted material ownership. Peach discusses several legal matters affecting the production of multimedia use, including ethics considerations and blatant unauthorized usage. Anytime a multimedia producer incorporates unauthorized material into a production or product, copyright infringement almost always results. The author ascribes such infringements to ignorance – many by thinking that “…because it is technologically possible… it must be legal” or the blatant choice to ignore copyright processes and requirements (115). Peach warns that technological marvels are no excuse for such violation; legal remedies exist for such infringements and are often sought to protect the ownership rights to such materials. During the process of obtaining fair use...
Words: 610 - Pages: 3
...Intellectual Property Law Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Abstract Intellectual property law is vital to protecting the rights of creative individuals and their realized ideas. Most countries around the world protect the intellectual property of authors, inventors, and artists, in some similar form whether it is copyright, trademark, or other sources of protection. The topic of discussion herein explores intellectual property law in America and the protections afforded to unique works and their creators here at home. Research was conducted using web-based resources made accessible to the public by prestigious universities such as UC Berkley and Cornell. The findings revealed a substantial legal framework of protection for authors, creators, and inventors of industrial, literary, scientific, and artistic works. Rights Protected by Intellectual Property Law Intellectual property refers to creations of the human mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce. Exclusive rights protect the intellectual property and owners under corresponding categories of law. This law encompasses the legalities of copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design rights, and trade secrets. Legal property rights are defensible in a court of law, and are further defined by article 9 on the Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C). To expand on creations of the human mind, intellectual property is further broken down into two categories:...
Words: 1671 - Pages: 7
...Blackstone famously defined the term property to mean the “sole and despotic dominion which one man claims and exercises over the external things of the world, in total exclusion of the right of any other individual in the universe. This application of the term property may be simplified by stating that property is a right which enables the person possessing such right to exclude the world at large from the exploitation of such right. 1.1 Theories of Property There is considerable literature on the theories of property. Some of the theories that have been developed are reproduced hereunder. The Occupation theory is one of the oldest theories and it is based on the assumption that whoever discovers something will be entitled to its ownership. In other words the right to property is based on the original discovery and occupation. The Labour theory of property as propounded by John Locke provides that if man adds labour to anything that has been provided by God it entitles him to that particular thing. The Philosophical theory of property according to this theory the institution of property lies in the well being of the community as a whole and it includes the development of character and intelligence as well as pleasure. The Social Trust theory provides that property should not only be held for the welfare of one’s self but is should also be held as trustee for the benefit of his successors and all others who are connected to him one way or the other. According to the Utilitarian...
Words: 3279 - Pages: 14
...from the wrongful acts of others. The person who sustains injury or suffers pecuniary damage as the result of tortious conduct is known as the plaintiff, and the person who is responsible for inflicting the injury and incurs liability for the damage is known as the defendant or tortfeasor. Trespass to Land –Definition In modern law the word trespass is used most commonly to describe the intentional and wrongful invasion of another's real property. An action for trespass can be maintained by the owner or anyone else who has a lawful right to occupy the real property, such as the owner of an apartment building, a tenant, or a member of the tenant's family. The action can be maintained against anyone who interferes with the right of ownership or possession, whether the invasion is by a person or by something that a person has set in motion. For example, a hunter who enters fields where hunting is forbidden is a trespasser, and so is a company that throws rocks onto neighboring land when it is blasting. Every unlawful entry onto another's property is trespass, even if no harm is done to the property. A person who has a right to come onto the land may become a trespasser by committing wrongful acts after entry. For example, a mail carrier has a privilege to walk up the sidewalk at a private home but is not entitled to go through the front door. A person who enters property with permission but stays after he has been told to leave also commits a trespass. Moreover, an intruder...
Words: 6025 - Pages: 25
...Terms of Service Welcome to TermPaperWarehouse.com! Before you may use TermPaperWarehouse.com, you must review and agree to the following terms and conditions. The following terms serve as a contract that governs your use of TermPaperWarehouse.com. YOUR AFFIRMATIVE ACT OF ACCESSING, USING AND/OR SUBSCRIBING TO TERMPAPERWAREHOUSE.COM SIGNIFIES THAT YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF SERVICE ("AGREEMENT" OR "TERMS"), AND THAT YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM. You agree that these Terms have the same force and effect as an Agreement signed in writing. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use TermPaperWarehouse.com. This Agreement is subject to change by TermPaperWarehouse.com at any time; therefore, you are responsible to review these terms regularly to learn about any changes. We will post an updated version of these Terms if we modify them. You understand and agree that your ongoing use of TermPaperWarehouse.com after we post or provide notice of the changes to this Agreement means that you accept and confirm that the updated terms apply to you. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California and you hereby irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts in Los Angeles County, California U.S.A. in all disputes arising out of or relating to the use of TermPaperWarehouse.com's services. 1. Legal definitions We will use the following definitions in this Agreement: "You" means the entity or person who access or uses...
Words: 3233 - Pages: 13
...Ofolue v. Erica Bossert [2008] EWCA Civ 7; discuss the extent to which the provisions of the European Conventions on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, have impacted the doctrine of adverse possession in England & Wales. I will discuss the cases and the impact which the HRA 1998 and the ECHR have had on the decision making process within the courts with regards to the doctrine of, “adverse possession”, in the UK. Rationale of Adverse Possession in England and Wales. The rationale of adverse possession in England and Wales is that; i. There must be a demarcation in reality on the recognition of claims of ownership of property title. ii. As land is finite and therefore a precious commodity then it should be used to its full potential. The common-law doctrine of adverse possession, gave rise to the ease of appropriation of land ownership by squatters/trespassers. In J.A Pye v Graham, Pye were dispossessed of their title to land via a HOL/Supreme court decision, Pye v Graham [2002] UKHL 30, based upon the legislation within LR Act 1925 and Limitations Act 1980. In particular section 75 of LR Act 1925 transferred the title of land to the factual possessor, (Graham) . In J.A. Pye (Oxford) Ltd v. The United Kingdom (Application No. 44302/02) 30 August 2007, Pye didn’t seek the recovery of the lost land but sought compensation from the UK government for lack of procedural protection which subsequently led to the loss of their property. Mummery LJ stated...
Words: 3303 - Pages: 14
...and more homes are being foreclosed. Most people would probably not want to risk the time, money, and energy, trying to start a business in our depleting economy. I am currently in the beginning phases of planning my own business. Starting a business is nerve-racking no matter what the economy status. Although I do fear failure, I am looking forward and still plan on actually opening my business in August. The main reason I decided to start my own business, even in this economy, is that I refuse to work for someone for the rest of my life, I have too many ideas not to act on them, and that I truly believe that I can become successful. There are many factors that myself and business owners have to consider when it comes to business ownership. Are they going to go into business with someone else? Will they have investors? Or, will they decide to do everything themselves? When you go into business with a partner, you must consider profit percentages, and liability. If something happens and a lawsuit is in the midst, in a partnership, who will pay? Will it be 50/50? When it comes to investors, they always want some sort of compensation or percentage. When becoming a sole proprietor, there are completely different types of risks. Being the only owner of a business, you have to come up with the funds yourself, all liability is on you, and there is no one to turn to when something may go sour. I plan on going into business for myself, but do plan on recruiting a seamstress to...
Words: 572 - Pages: 3
...Not many people consider investing their hard-earned money in Bangladesh real estate but it is something worth considering. Not only are properties in Bangladesh very good value for money when converted from the local currency, but there are a number of homes in all shapes and sizes available. If you prefer to start from scratch, you will find that construction is affordable too. Real estate in Bangladesh is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it can be a real adventure for those who are willing to give it a try. There are usually a fair number of properties that are available for purchase on the Internet and even more in the local newspapers. Most foreigners can purchase a fairly large, luxuriant home without scraping their pockets clean. This is one of the main advantages of purchasing real estate in Bangladesh – it is really affordable! Before deciding whether or not to purchase such a property, you will likely need to ask yourself what it will be used for. Will you rent it out at relatively low rates and use the proceeds to enjoy the odd vacation in Bangladesh? Or will you use it simply as a holiday home – a place where you can get away from the stresses related to modern living? Yet another option is that of purchasing a property that you intend to make your home at some stage. It would be very difficult for a realtor to sell a foreigner on the idea of purchasing real estate in Bangladesh. It is really a choice you need to make for yourself. Why not consider this option when...
Words: 289 - Pages: 2
...retail book value This CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX and available as of 10/1/13 at 1:21:51 PM (EDT). Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car. Price Calculator™ Adjust the value of this 2008 Volvo S40 2.4I based on the information available in this report 1) Retail Book Value 2) CARFAX Price Adjustment™ 3) Adjusted Retail Value Begin by entering the retail book value $ 0 - $70 Below retail book value Enter retail book value here Ownership History The number of owners is estimated Year purchased Type of owner Estimated length of ownership Owned in the following states/provinces Owner 1 2007 Commercial 2 yrs. 9 mo. Texas Owner 2 2010 Personal 1 yr. 11 mo. Texas Owner 3 2012 Personal 1 year Texas Owned in the following states/provinces Estimated miles driven per year Last reported odometer reading 23,597/yr 65,247 7,650/yr 83,534 --86,944 Title History CARFAX guarantees the information in this section Salvage | Junk | Rebuilt | Fire | Flood | Hail | Lemon Not Actual Mileage | Exceeds Mechanical Limits Owner 1 Guaranteed No Problem Guaranteed No Problem Owner 2 Guaranteed No Problem Guaranteed No Problem Owner 3 Guaranteed No Problem Guaranteed No Problem GUARANTEED - None of these major title problems...
Words: 1722 - Pages: 7
...depriving the ordinary citizen of his right to peaceful enjoyment of his property and granting to the squatter an undeserved benefit. The potential abuse of this right is that which motivated the change of legislation in the UK. However the position of the Irish courts is to look more closely at the rights, and analyze their effect within a rural Irish setting. It appears that within this setting, adverse possession does in fact, indirectly benefit the community in which the squatter resides. Nevertheless, it is accepted that rights of adverse possession are open to abuse. In attempting to discourage potential abuse, the law provides that a squatter must be in uninterrupted possession of private property for a minimum of twelve years before ownership rights can be claimed. The law also recognises all acts of interruption by or on behalf of the owner, no matter how slight, as sufficient in order to restart the twelve year clock running again as against the squatter. For example, acts of painting doors, fences, entering with a key and gardening. In this regard, only property which has been absolutely abandoned for twelve years can be claimed adversely. The question may be asked, is this sufficient? By contrast to the UK, Ireland considers that it is. Irish courts maintain that a balance must be struck between the protection of the owner's rights and the rationales in favour of the squatter's rights. The first rationale refers to the maintainence of value in property. Property left...
Words: 778 - Pages: 4
...Case Study 12-1: An Unlikely Alliance Florabama is a power producer of which Meyer Inc. is a 60% owner and Saban Company is a 40% owner. Saban has a cost-plus arrangement that permits it to purchase up to 20% of the power produced by Florabama at the cost plus a fee. The remaining power produced by Florabama is sold to third parties. The profits and losses of Florabama are split based on ownership. Sale, transfer, or disposition of ownership requires written consent of the other party in advance. Both parties are independent and willingly agreed upon the prior approval terms. The board is composed of 10 individuals that Meyer and Saban are able to appoint based on their ownership percentage (Meyer has 6 and Saban has 4). The board makes all strategic decisions and establishes operating and capital budgets. The board also determines the pricing of power produced and appoints the CEO. The CEO that was appointed was the COO of Saban and he will oversee the day to day operations of Florabama. Both Meyer and Saban bear equity price risk. Meyer Inc. also has operating risk since the decisions of the board are made by simple majority (Meyer owns the majority). Saban bears commodity price risk due to the cost-plus arrangement. Meyer and Saban are both variable interest holders. Saban has an equity interest in Florabama and it also has the cost-plus arrangement, both of which make Saban a variable interest holder. Meyer Inc. is a variable interest holder in Florabama due to the...
Words: 396 - Pages: 2
...Unable to sell his parents’ ocean-front timeshare for the past year, David Suder became so fed up he offered to give it away. They paid $8,000 for the Orange County, Calif. unit a decade ago, but since there are no willing buyers, and his 81-year-old mother, now a widow, can no longer afford the monthly maintenance fees, Suder says he doesn’t have a choice. The San Diego-based real estate investor is offering the unit for free in the hopes that someone will take it before his mother dies. “I don’t want to inherit it,” he says. “I want it to go away.” While real estate – and even vacation real estate – is starting to show signs of recovery, timeshares remain in freefall. During the first quarter, the number of for-sale-by-owner postings doubled compared to the same period a year ago on RedWeek.com, a popular resale site. Another site, SellMyTimeshareNow.com, says owner sales are up 20% during that period. [Related: Hunger Games Town for Sale] Experts say even in better times, most sellers never saw a return on their investment. “Very few timeshares increase in value,” says Alisa Stephens, executive producer at RedWeek.com. As values sink and desperation grows, the number of owners giving their timeshares away for $1 – or less — has doubled in the past year, says Brian Rogers, of Timeshare Users Group, an owner advocacy group. “There’s never been a worst time to try to sell a timeshare,” he says. Typically found in resorts, timeshares allow multiple buyers to purchase...
Words: 395 - Pages: 2
