Many of us have intense and intimate relationships with our media sources, and we enjoy the sensation of the world at our fingertips. How many corporations mediate our access to that world? Do you know? Should we care? The blogger known as Frugal Dad argues that we should, and he expresses alarm that our media experiences are in increasingly fewer hands; his infographic was published in November 2011 on the Frugal Dad blog.
Read it here: Frugal Dad, "Media consolidation: The illusion of choice"
- In his introduction to the infographic, Frugal Dad uses metaphor to argue that we should be as mindful of our media consumption as we are of our food consumption. Is the metaphor effective for you? Why or why not?
- Jason Zinser, whose article “The Good, the Bad, and The Daily Show” appears in Chapter 15 of your text, claims that “non-traditional news outlets can be catalysts for political and social change,” and he focuses attention on media products such as The Daily Show and Rush Limbaugh’s radio broadcasts. Do Zinser and Frugal Dad make complementary arguments? How are their arguments similar? How are they different? Would Frugal Dad’s infographic do more to support or to refute Zinser’s argument?
- Keep a log of your media use for two days. Include all of the programs and periodicals that you read, watch, and listen to. When your log is complete, check all the entries against Frugal Dad’s list of the six major media companies and their products. (You will need to trace ownership of programs and publications.) What proportion of your list is owned by the six major companies? Is your figure higher than you expected? Lower? Are you surprised by the results? Why or why not?
- Frugal Dad’s inference is that the extreme consolidation of media ownership is undesirable and presents a threat to the free flow of and access to information. Do you agree? Write an essay in which you address this question: Does the consolidation of ownership restrict the spectrum of ideas and positions that are available to a general U.S. audience? Support your argument with examples and appropriate citations.
Like the blog, appreciate the share!
Posted by: Rhonda | 02/24/2012 at 09:01 AM
Media represent 'freedom of speech' and integrity of each American. With 6 companies controlling what all Americans (and also other continents) listen to in news, one wonders who's interest do these 6 companies serve?
How credible is the news that is mimicked by all 6 companies. Major executives of these 6 companies are also senior people in other corporations like Monsanto and Government services officials. So its not just a matter of 6 companies. Our media is controlled by the same group of companies that decide policies for the American people
In such a case, where is 'freedom of speech'?
The American polpulation is undergoing mass mind control and like sheep are shepharded through propaganda model.
Posted by: LatifKhan | 03/19/2012 at 07:55 AM
Americans are unaware of the “big six” and the control they have over 90% of what they watch, read, and listen to. Jason (Frugal Dad) and many other people alike share the concern of the big six’s control and the effects from it. As a critical thinker, I also share this concern and agree that we should care more about what is being shown to us. It is easy to say that we have the choice and control to view whatever it is that we want, however, this is entirely false. This type of control can have a negative impact to our society. Many Americans are brainwashed through a variety of factors that exploits violence in such manner that makes it acceptable. Some of these contributing factors can be portrayed through books, music, video games, and the media. Another example is how sexuality has been illustrated over the years. Before the big six acquired their power, sex was not talked about as much as it is today. It has become a main topic of conversation to many people including the youth. This certainly can be freighting to parents because it is impossible to censor sex since it can be found anywhere especially with the click of a button on a remote control or a home computer. The big six have the power to make us aware of a topic or completely oblivious to one. These corporations have too much power and Americans are unaware of their secret agenda that they may or may not have. Let us face it; we are controlled by the big six no matter where it is that we look to. A solution would be to keep asking questions, think critically, and independently. America needs to wake up and break free from the chains of control in order to be free.
Posted by: Jasen Villalobos | 11/12/2012 at 08:37 PM
Hello, I log on to your blogs on a regular basis. Your story-telling style is witty, keep doing what you're doing!
Posted by: united cash loans | 10/17/2013 at 12:39 AM
The particular eyesight ended up being to make a Exclusive Top quality Consignment Shop dedicated completely new in addition to nearly brand new Females Clothing, Clutches, Footwear, Jewellery and also discount authentic louis vuitton,discount louis vuitton,discount louis vuitton bags,discount louis vuitton handbags,discounted louis vuitton bags,louis vuitton discount bags,louis vuitton discount handbags,cheap louis vuitton purses,heap louis vuitton bags add-ons through the ideal designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, Alfredia Louboutin, Tory Burch, Missoni, Armani, E. neighborhoodBraves star appointments Charlotte now Knights fansAll lanes available on I77 following ditch louis vuitton outlet bags found in bridgeKnights announce 2013 Health Fund Honor winnersMoisture, warm creating mould troubles, Hickory NewsMissing 8, 9yearold sisters appear in mom operate unharmed, police sayHeritage Live show Line proceeds using bluegrass bandsBody connected with missing anglers observedsaysMan pleads accountable, sentenced your inside prison.
Posted by: louis vuitton outlet bags | 10/19/2013 at 03:41 PM
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on vacation. Regards
Posted by: get away today julie smith | 10/26/2013 at 12:51 AM
If some one wants to be updated with most up-to-date technologies afterward he must be pay a quick visit this web page and be up to date every day.
Posted by: Eric Gray Buffalo | 11/07/2013 at 10:29 PM
Thank you for some other fantastic post. Where else could anyone get that type of info in such an ideal method of writing? I've a presentation next week, and I am on the search for such information.
Posted by: Eric Gray | 11/07/2013 at 10:31 PM
Everything posted was actually very logical. But, consider this, suppose you added a little information? I ain't suggesting your information is not solid, but suppose you added a headline that grabbed people's attention? I mean How Nutritious Is Your Information Diet?: Frugal Dad Investigates Media Consolidation - They Say / I Blog is kinda vanilla. You might glance at Yahoo's front page and watch how they create news headlines to get viewers to click. You might try adding a video or a picture or two to grab readers interested about everything've got to say. In my opinion, it might make your posts a little livelier.
Posted by: Pacific Office Automation | 11/12/2013 at 12:59 AM
You are so interesting! I don't suppose I have read through a single thing like this before. So great to discover someone with a few unique thoughts on this topic. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality!
Posted by: Get Away Today Chuck Smith | 11/15/2013 at 04:11 AM
Very soon this web site will be famous among all blogging people, due to it's fastidious articles
Posted by: nino tinari | 11/19/2013 at 05:48 AM
Wow, superb weblog structure! How lengthy have you been running a blog for? you make blogging look easy. The full look of your website is excellent, as smartly as the content material!
Posted by: Aria School of Music | 11/21/2013 at 06:03 PM
I just like the helpful information you supply on your articles. I'll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am relatively sure I will be informed many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
Posted by: eric gray buffalo ny | 11/21/2013 at 11:29 PM
I'm impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that's both equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The problem is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very happy I found this in my search for something concerning this.
Posted by: eric gray buffalo ny | 11/21/2013 at 11:29 PM
Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
Posted by: eric gray buffalo ny | 11/22/2013 at 12:01 AM
Remarkable! Its genuinely awesome article, I have got much clear idea concerning from this piece of writing.
Posted by: dr. bradley kurgis | 11/25/2013 at 05:54 AM