Media industries

Media industries is a core component of the AQA A-Level Media Studies specification, focusing on how media organisations produce, distribute, and circulate content within economic, political, and cultural contexts. This topic requires you to analyse the ownership structures, business models, and regulatory frameworks that shape media products, from film and television to digital platforms. Understanding media industries is essential because it reveals the power dynamics behind the media we consume—who controls what we see, how profits are made, and how audiences are targeted. For example, the dominance of conglomerates like Disney or News UK illustrates how vertical and horizontal integration can limit diversity and influence cultural narratives.

This topic also connects to wider debates about democracy, representation, and globalisation. You'll explore concepts such as convergence (technological, cultural, and economic), the impact of digital technologies on traditional business models (e.g., Netflix vs. broadcast TV), and the role of regulators like Ofcom in the UK. By studying media industries, you'll develop critical skills to deconstruct media texts not just as cultural artefacts but as products of industrial processes. This knowledge is vital for exams, as you'll be expected to apply theoretical frameworks (e.g., Curran and Seaton, Hesmondhalgh) to case studies, and to evaluate how industry contexts shape media products and audience experiences.

Mastery of this topic will also prepare you for the NEA (Non-Exam Assessment), where you must create a media product that demonstrates awareness of industry conventions and constraints. Whether analysing the marketing of a blockbuster film or the regulation of social media algorithms, understanding media industries gives you the tools to think like a producer and a critic. It's a dynamic area of study that reflects real-world changes, making it both challenging and rewarding.