Media Studies · Year 13

Active learning ideas

Ownership, Power, and Media Conglomerates

This topic investigates the economics of the media industry, focusing on ownership, power, and the rise of global conglomerates. Students apply Curran and Seaton’s theory that the media is controlled by a small number of companies driven by profit and power, which often limits variety and creativity. The unit explores the tension between large-scale conglomerates (like Disney or Comcast) and independent producers, examining how horizontal and vertical integration affect the content we consume.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• A-Level Media Studies - Media Industries 3.1
• A-Level Media Studies - Theoretical Frameworks (Curran and Seaton)

• 20–60 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 60 min · Whole Class

Simulation Game: The Conglomerate Game

Divide the class into 'Conglomerates' and 'Indies'. Conglomerates must use their resources to buy up smaller companies (horizontal integration) and distribution channels (vertical integration), while Indies must find niche markets to survive. After 20 minutes, discuss how ownership affected the 'content' each group produced.

How does media concentration affect the diversity of viewpoints?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Gallery Walk
• 40 min · Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Ownership Maps

Groups create visual 'family trees' for major media corporations (e.g., News Corp, Warner Bros. Discovery). They display these around the room, and other students use stickers to mark where they see potential conflicts of interest or lack of diversity in viewpoints.

What is the relationship between media ownership and political power?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Profit vs. Creativity Debate

Students are given a list of recent film sequels and original indie films. They pair up to discuss whether Curran and Seaton are right that 'logic of profit and power' narrows cultural range, then share their conclusions with the class.

How do independent producers survive in a conglomerate-dominated industry?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Vertical integration is the same as horizontal integration.

  Vertical is about owning the supply chain (production to delivery); horizontal is about buying competitors in the same stage. Using physical models or diagrams in a collaborative setting helps students keep these distinct.

• Independent media is always 'better' or more diverse.

  While Curran and Seaton argue indies offer more variety, they also face significant constraints. Active comparison of budgets and reach helps students understand the complex reality of the media marketplace.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Gallery Walk
• Think-Pair-Share