Historical Context
This media conglomerate, formed in 1919 by GE and others, was dismantled under antitrust pressure, leading to the creation of NBC and later ABC.
What is RCA (Radio Corporation of America)?
Bezos purchased The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million, marking a shift in ownership from this prominent family.
Who are the Grahams?
John Henry acquired The Boston Globe and applied this strategy, aimed at building loyal local readership.
What is a community-centric strategy?
Though Bezos and Henry both publicly support editorial independence, critics question whether their actions align with this journalistic ideal.
What is non-interference or editorial autonomy?
The sale of NBC's Blue Network to Edward J. Noble in 1943 was driven by this regulatory body's effort to limit monopolies in emerging broadcast media.
What is the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)?
While Bezos claims a “hands-off” approach, critics point to subtle editorial shifts in coverage of topics related to this area of his broader business empire.
What is Amazon?
Henry's ownership of this sports franchise has raised concerns about potential conflicts in the Globe’s editorial coverage. (Hint: they just started their season!)
What is the Boston Red Sox?
The resignation of Post cartoonist Ann Telnaes following editorial rejection illustrated this ethical conflict in owner-led newsrooms.
What is censorship or influence over critical content?
The Johnson administration blocked this conglomerate's attempted takeover of ABC in 1966, citing concerns over press independence.
A. General Electric
B. ITT (International Telephone & Telegraph)
C. Capital Cities
D. Westinghouse
What is ITT (International Telephone & Telegraph)?
Under Bezos’ ownership, The Post implemented this strategy that prioritizes technology and online engagement to reverse financial decline.
What is a digital-first strategy?
While Henry supports editorial independence, his more active engagement in newsroom decisions has been criticized for this reason.
What is lack of transparency or perceived bias?
Critics argue that billionaire media ownership creates this tension between serving the public and protecting personal business interests. (DOUBLE JEOPARDY)
What is a conflict of interest?
The 1995 ABC-Disney merger symbolized a pivotal shift in media consolidation, especially in terms of this kind of vertical business structure.
A. Government-funded journalism
B. Local media decentralization
C. Vertical integration of content and distribution
D. The rise of nonprofit media coalitions
What is Vertical integration of content and distribution?
The Washington Post saw a decline in digital subscriptions after making this editorial decision, highlighting the delicate balance between political neutrality and audience engagement. (Hint- it was talked about two group presentations ago)
What is choosing not to endorse a presidential candidate?
Compared to Bezos' tech-driven approach, Henry focused on this business model to keep the Globe financially viable.
What is cost-cutting and operational efficiency?
As billionaire owners increasingly shape the media landscape, this alternative model has gained traction to preserve editorial independence.
What are nonprofit or cooperative ownership models?