What is the 'Power and Media Industries' Theory?
2 university professors, James Curran and Jean Seaton, both theorized that a large majority of media, if not most of it, is owned by large conglomerates (multi-industry companies) which results in a lack of creativity in mainstream media. These large companies mass produce similar types of media as they know it will appeal a large audience, ultimately making the most profit possible and gaining them more power.
How can this theory be applied?
Large magazine companies such as vogue tend to have a theme of traditionalism and rigid standards which they expect of their magazines. Because of this, it limits the creativity of the magazine covers. Due to the mainstream publications of these magazines, they will still produce a large amount of profit, despite never changing their policies.
What are the weaknesses of this theory?
Concentrated ownership of all media companies results in a lack of expression and creativity. The products they make tend to be quite repetitive, similar and there isn't a big choice or diversity, because it is all about profit and power.
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