CIE A2 Media Studies-Component 4: Critical Perspectives (Section A: Power and the Media)

Lesson 3&4 of Exam Component 4: Critical Perspectives
Section A: Media debates: Power and the media
These lessons cover media ownership and require students to research how diverse (western) media is (or isn’t!).
Theories cover:
David Hesmondhalgh
James Curran and Jean Seaton
This lesson also includes a research task in which students choose a media company / owner to study which will then be shared with the rest of the class.
For example:
Choose a company / person and research the following:

• What media do they own / do they have a majority control?
• How well known are the companies and subsidiaries associated?
• How many different media forms do they own?
• What impact does this person / company have on the media?
• Percentage owned
• Positive / negative impact on society
• What examples can you find that suggest ‘power’ and ‘control’ over the media
• Mediated view of social groups
• Political opinions / influence on democracy / democratic view point
• Examples of campaigning / marketing messages?
• Relationship with audience?
• Access / control over media messages and viewpoint taken
• Has the person / company ever been investigated for ‘limiting’ or ‘controlling’ their media messages (ie. Impacting negatively on democracy or other ideological issues)
• Links to Hesmondhalgh and Curran / Seaton