Companies in this industry produce, process, or distribute information and entertainment content. US-based media conglomerates include AT&T (owner of WarnerMedia), Disney, Paramount, and Xfinity (owner of NBCUniversal) all of which have a global sphere of influence. Major companies outside the US include Bertelsmann and ProSiebenSat1 Media (both based in Germany).
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Massive media conglomerates dominate the global content production and distribution industry. The ability to compete successfully depends on the capacity to provide high-quality popular content, adapt to and exploit technological developments, respond to changes in consumer behavior, and achieve widespread distribution.
PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
Media companies produce and distribute popular, mass-produced products, such as Hollywood blockbuster films and glossy fashion magazines, as well as cultural products that may have a more limited audience, such as poetry books or classical records. Revenue typically comes from advertising sales, subscription fees, or single-product sales. Advertising rates are generally based on audience size. Extensive research defines audience demographics by criteria such as age, sex, income, education, location, and interests so media companies can target a highly defined segment of consumers.