Week Six - Commercial Media

"The first duty [of the media] is to shun the temptations of monopoly."

Yet, when Dr. Redman was commenting on what corporations produce it seemed me like everyone is trying to get as many fingers into as many pies as possible. Which isn't unlike attempting to gain a monopoly.

The major players in commercial media hold sway over what we listen to, read or watch. Commercial media providers have social responsibilities, are bound by the Australian Communication and Media Authority, but they are also players in a lucrative market.

Seven West Media not only has invested in free-to-air television, but also pacific magazines (such as Who and New Weekly), Western Australian Newspapers and Yahoo 7. Nine Entertainment Co is involved with free-to-air television, magazines, newspapers, events (ticketek) and digital media.

I don't think that Ol' Uncle Rupert is the only one buying up big in the commercial media industry, but he does seem to be the easiest target.

Maybe these corporations should take a step back and look up the meaning of the word "monopoly". Maybe then we would see a change in the commercial media industry.