Question 1: Define the term 'media conglomerate' and explain how it differs from a small independent media company.

Answer: A media conglomerate is a large corporation that owns multiple media outlets across different platforms, often across different countries. It differs from a small independent media company, which is typically owned locally and controls fewer outlets, with less influence over the wider media landscape.

Question 2: Identify three potential advantages of media ownership concentration for consumers.

Answer: Advantages include increased investment in quality content, wider distribution of popular media, and the availability of diverse media products under a single corporate umbrella.

Question 3: Identify three potential disadvantages of media ownership concentration for society.

Answer: Disadvantages include reduced diversity of opinions, less competition leading to higher prices or less innovation, and the risk of bias or censorship to serve corporate interests.

Question 4: Describe one way in which ownership can influence the content of a media product.

Answer: Ownership can influence content by encouraging the promotion of certain political views, values, or brands, or by suppressing content that might harm the parent company's reputation.

Question 5: Explain the concept of 'media pluralism' and why it is considered important.

Answer: Media pluralism refers to the presence of diverse and competing media sources that provide different perspectives. It is important because it ensures a variety of viewpoints are available to the public, supporting democracy and informed decision-making.

Question 6: Draw a diagram to illustrate a vertical integration in the media industry. Label the different stages involved.

Answer: A correct diagram would show a media company owning or controlling multiple stages of production and distribution, such as content creation, broadcasting or publishing, and distribution channels, arranged vertically in a sequential manner.

Question 7: Sketch a diagram showing a media ownership 'oligopoly'. Include at least three companies and indicate how they are linked in terms of ownership.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict three or more companies with lines or labels indicating partial or full ownership links, demonstrating how a few large corporations dominate the industry.

Question 8: Discuss how government regulation can influence media ownership and diversity.

Answer: Government regulation can set limits on the number of media outlets a single company can own, enforce rules to prevent monopolies, and promote media diversity by encouraging independent and local media outlets.

Question 9: Identify and explain one recent example of media ownership change in the UK or globally, and discuss its potential impact.

Answer: An example could be a major media corporation acquiring a smaller network, which might lead to increased resources for the new parent company but could also reduce the diversity of available content and viewpoints.

Question 10: Describe how media ownership patterns might differ between traditional media (TV, radio) and digital media platforms.

Answer: Traditional media often features larger, consolidated ownership due to high production costs, while digital media platforms tend to be more diverse and fragmented, with many smaller independent creators and companies.