Media Studies - Curran & Seaton's Theory - Simple Guide For Students & Teachers

Summary

This video guide explores Curran and Seaton's theory on media industries, which argues that a few large conglomerates dominate most sectors like film and publishing, prioritizing profit and power over diversity and creativity. The theory suggests that this leads to repetitive, similar products. However, independent companies, such as those behind *I, Daniel Blake* or *Huck Magazine*, challenge this view by creating more creative, diverse, and niche products. The video prompts viewers to consider whether media industries with smaller ownership structures foster greater innovation than those controlled by large corporations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Media industries are often dominated by a few large companies that control the market, resulting in a lack of diversity in content.
• 😀 Curran and Seaton argue that media companies focus primarily on profit and power, often prioritizing financial success over creativity.
• 😀 In the film industry, big conglomerates like Walt Disney and Universal control most of the major productions, limiting independent voices.
• 😀 Independent film companies, like 16 Films (producer of *I Daniel Blake*), are often more focused on artistic messages rather than financial gain.
• 😀 The focus of large conglomerates on profit leads to repetitive content, such as numerous sequels or films in the same genre, like *The Fast and the Furious* franchise.
• 😀 Large media companies tend to horizontally and vertically integrate, meaning they buy up or merge with other companies to expand their power.
• 😀 Curran and Seaton's theory suggests that the dominance of a small number of companies reduces consumer choice, as companies produce similar content to ensure financial success.
• 😀 When media companies are independent, their products are often more creative, diverse, and targeted to niche audiences, as they are not bound by the same profit-driven motives.
• 😀 Media conglomerates, like News Corp, are often run by billionaires and operate on a global scale, focusing on expanding their reach and influence.
• 😀 The production of highly successful films or projects, like the *Straight Outta Compton* meme generator, is a direct attempt to increase both profit and media power.

Q & A

What is the core idea behind Curran and Seaton's theory of media industries?

Curran and Seaton's theory posits that media industries are largely dominated by a small number of very large companies, often conglomerates, which prioritize profit and power. This leads to repetitive, formulaic content with limited diversity in products.

How does Curran and Seaton's theory apply to the film industry?

In the film industry, large conglomerates like Disney and Universal control the production and distribution of most films. They focus on creating profitable, successful movies, which often results in franchises and repetitive content, such as the *Fast & Furious* series.

What role do independent companies play in the media industry according to Curran and Seaton?

Independent companies, unlike large conglomerates, often prioritize creativity, niche markets, and social messages over profit. Their products are usually more diverse and innovative, offering alternatives to the mainstream, as seen in independent films like *I, Daniel Blake*.

Why do Curran and Seaton argue that media content is often repetitive?

Curran and Seaton believe that large conglomerates, focused on maintaining profit and power, often create similar content based on previous successes. This leads to repetitive formulas, like action films or sequels, that are perceived as safe financial investments.

How do conglomerates use horizontal and vertical integration to increase their power?

Conglomerates engage in horizontal integration by acquiring other companies in the same industry and vertical integration by controlling various stages of production, distribution, and retail. This strategy allows them to consolidate power, control more of the market, and maximize profit.

What is an example of a large conglomerate focusing on profit in the media industry?

An example is News Corp, which owns companies like The Times. Its focus on profit is evident through its vast global reach and the concentration of power within a single billionaire-led conglomerate, which often leads to standardized content across its outlets.

How does Curran and Seaton's theory relate to the example of *Straight Outta Compton*?

The *Straight Outta Compton* example highlights how major conglomerates like Universal focus on producing global, profitable projects. The meme generator for the film, which attracted millions of users, was designed to maximize audience engagement and profits, showcasing the conglomerate's emphasis on financial success.

Why might independent films like *I, Daniel Blake* not be about profit and power?

Independent films like *I, Daniel Blake* often prioritize artistic expression, social commentary, or niche audiences rather than making substantial profit. These films may tackle difficult or controversial subjects and are typically not designed with mainstream financial success in mind.

How does ownership concentration affect creativity in the media industry?

Curran and Seaton argue that concentrated ownership limits creativity because large companies tend to create similar products to maximize profit. Independent ownership, on the other hand, is often linked to more diverse, creative, and niche content, as seen in independent productions.

What does Curran and Seaton suggest about the diversity of media products?

They suggest that media products from large, concentrated conglomerates are often repetitive and lack diversity. By contrast, independent companies tend to offer more creative and varied products, leading to a more diverse media landscape.