ABSTRACT
In 1983, majority control of US media organizations was held by 50 corporations. After 35 years of mergers and acquisitions, that number has been reduced from 50 to five or six, often referred to as "Big Media." Although the definition of a "media organization" is difficult to nail down, one might think of them as organizations that curate and manage the flow of news and information to the general public. In terms of prior knowledge, students need to understand the basic history of broadcasting rights and the original pact between broadcasting license owners and the American people – free exclusive use of communication bands in return for objective reporting in the public interest. As Big Media companies acquire more properties and influence in cities and local communities, this synergy extends into local television, radio, and cable information systems.
