Purpose: The purpose of this DB is to trace ownership of your favorite form of media. Pick a television show, album, movie, book, or Web site and figure out what, if any, parent companies are involved in that product’s ownership, funding, and distribution. After all, according to the authors, “Media economics drives and fashions this consumer culture” (page 194).

Prepare: Read Chapter Seven in Media in Society and review all related material in this week’s folder. Choose your favorite media form and begin your research.

Share: First of all, tell us what media you chose. Embed a photo or a link for us to see. Next, answer the following questions:

• Describe the parent company
• What else does the company own or distribute?
• Who are its chief competitors in the market?
• Is it an oligopoly, monopoly, or independently owned?
• Check Hoover’s database on media company history and performance http://www.hoovers.com/
• Is the company concentrating on one medium or is it diverse?
• Is there an aspect of the company that relates to terms used in Chapter 7? If so, use the terminology.
• Does your chosen company seem to engage in fair business practices? Support your answer with a source.

Respond: Discuss with your classmates. Follow at least 4 of your classmates’ discussions (you can subscribe to a thread). Did you come to the same conclusions? Is there media you enjoy/disdain from the same company? You must view the media your classmates provide in order to discuss cogently. As with all DB’s, your initial post must be posted by Wednesday. Respond to at least 4 classmates by Friday. Use APA style to cite your sources (and you must have sources, both in your initial post and in your responses). See DB Rubric for further detail.