Understanding Understanding Media ControlMedia Control

Media Consolidation & ControlMedia Consolidation & ControlIn the past 25 years big media has

consolidated from hundreds of companies to eight major companies

5 companies control 80% of television in the USA

People of color make up 34% of the US population, but own 3.15% of television and 7.7% of radio

Women make up 51% of the population, but own 5.9% of television

The top 10 Christian publishers represent 78.5% of the market and over half are owned by secular companies 

Understanding Media BiasUnderstanding Media BiasMost of media bias is in choosing which

stories to report◦Choose stories of interest to owners and

audience◦Avoid stories threatening to owners or offensive

to audience

Understanding Media Control: Understanding Media Control: OwnershipOwnership

WhiteOwnership

Black Latino Asian

Upper 97% TV93% Radio98% Christian

3% TV7.7% Radio

Middle

Lower

Understanding Media Control: Understanding Media Control: Viewership (USA)Viewership (USA)

White Black Latino Asian

Upper 5%

Middle 80%

Lower 15%

* Author’s estimates

Understanding Media Control: Understanding Media Control: CreationCreation

White Black Latino Asian

Upper 95%

Middle 4.9%

Lower .1%

* Author’s estimates

Effect of Media FilterEffect of Media FilterWhite18%

Black13.5%

Latino8.7%

Asian56.5%

Other3.4%

Upper 1%

Middle30%

Lower69%

http://anthro.palomar.edu/ethnicity/ethnic_5.htm

White95%

Black Latino Asian Other5%

Upper 30%

Middle 70%

Lower0%

Media Filter

GlobalDiversity

MediaPerspective

Source: International Bulletin of Missionary Research, January 2005. David B. Barrett & Todd M. Johnson. http://www.globalchristianity.org/resources.htm

International Digital Divide GraphInternational Digital Divide Graph

Unjust Copyright ExtensionUnjust Copyright Extension

Effect of the Long Tail: 80/20 Rule Effect of the Long Tail: 80/20 Rule Becomes the 60/40 RuleBecomes the 60/40 Rule80% of profit comes from 20% of products

(before the Internet)

Effects of the Long Tail & JusticeEffects of the Long Tail & Justice Videos

◦ Blockbuster: 80 of rentals are recent “blockbusters,” only carry 75 documentaries

◦ Netflix: 30% of rentals are “blockbusters” and carry 1,180 documentaries

◦ Amazon: carries 17,061 (of a possible 40,000) TechMission Websites

◦ Top 500 search terms provide 19.5% of visitors◦ 604,916 search terms provide 80.5% of visitors

Justice Implication◦ Minority culture voices are almost entirely on the long tail ◦ The Internet extends the long tail decreasing the proportion

controlled by big media from 80% to around 60% which gives more room for minority voices