Television Production in Transition: Independence, Scale, Sustainability and the Digital Challenge

This book examines the growing power of transnational media corporations and the effects of mergers and acquisitions on local and independent television production companies. It offers a unique analysis of wider transformations in ownership affecting the television production industry worldwide and their economic, socio-cultural, and policy implications.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 253 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Focusing on the growing power of transnational media corporations in an increasingly globalized environment for the distribution of television content, and on the effects of mergers and acquisitions involving local and independent television production companies, this book examines how current and recent re-structurings in ownership across the television industry reflect changing business models, how they affect creativity and diversity of television output, and to what extent they call for new approaches to regulation and policy. Based on a major study of the UK production sector as a case study, it offers a unique analysis of wider transformations in ownership affecting the television production industry worldwide and of their economic, socio-cultural, and policy implications.

Introduction:
The television industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by the growing power of transnational media corporations and the increasing globalization of media distribution. This has led to a consolidation of ownership across the industry, with large media conglomerates acquiring local and independent production companies. This book aims to examine the effects of these re-structurings on the television production industry, including their impact on creativity and diversity of output, and to explore the need for new approaches to regulation and policy.

Ownership Re-structurings:
The ownership re-structurings in the television production industry have been driven by a variety of factors, including the desire to expand into new markets, the need to consolidate resources, and the pursuit of economies of scale. These re-structurings have led to the creation of large media conglomerates that control a significant portion of the television content market. For example, Disney has acquired 21st Century Fox, Warner Bros. has acquired Time Warner Inc., and Comcast has acquired NBCUniversal.

Effects on Creativity and Diversity of Output:
One of the primary concerns about the consolidation of ownership in the television production industry is its impact on creativity and diversity of output. Large media conglomerates often have a limited range of interests and a preference for safe and familiar content. This can lead to a homogenization of television programming, with a limited range of perspectives and voices being heard. Additionally, the consolidation of ownership can lead to the closure of local and independent production companies, which are often the source of innovative and diverse programming.

Regulation and Policy Considerations:
The effects of the consolidation of ownership in the television production industry raise several regulatory and policy considerations. One of the primary concerns is the potential for anti-competitive behavior, as large media conglomerates may have the power to control the market and limit competition. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of these re-structurings on media plurality and diversity, as they may lead to a reduction in the number of independent voices and perspectives available to viewers.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the growing power of transnational media corporations and the increasing globalization of media distribution have led to significant re-structurings in ownership across the television production industry. These re-structurings have had a significant impact on creativity and diversity of output, with large media conglomerates often favoring safe and familiar content over innovative and diverse programming. The effects of these re-structurings raise several regulatory and policy considerations, including the need for new approaches to regulation and policy that promote creativity, diversity, and media plurality.

Weight: 361g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030632175
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021