Ownership and control of the media

    AQA
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyze the relationship between media ownership and the control of media content. The core assessment focus lies in the debate between Marxist perspectives (Instrumentalist and Hegemonic), which argue for concentrated power and ideological manipulation, and Pluralist perspectives, which argue that power is diluted by market forces and consumer choice. Responses must evaluate the significance of trends such as vertical/horizontal integration, globalization, and the rise of transnational corporations (TNCs). High-level responses will synthesize classical theories (Miliband, GUMG) with contemporary digital landscape realities (Musk, Bezos, Algorithmic control).

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    4
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for precise definition of ownership structures: horizontal/vertical integration, conglomeration, and diversification.
    • Credit explicit contrast between Pluralist views (media reflects audience demand) and Marxist views (media transmits dominant ideology).
    • Candidates must apply sociological theory to contemporary examples (e.g., News Corp, social media monopolies) to demonstrate AO2 application.
    • High-level responses must evaluate the distinction between allocative control (owners) and operational control (editors/journalists).

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise definition of ownership structures: horizontal/vertical integration, conglomeration, and diversification.
    • Credit explicit contrast between Pluralist views (media reflects audience demand) and Marxist views (media transmits dominant ideology).
    • Candidates must apply sociological theory to contemporary examples (e.g., News Corp, social media monopolies) to demonstrate AO2 application.
    • High-level responses must evaluate the distinction between allocative control (owners) and operational control (editors/journalists).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 12-mark 'Discuss how far' questions, ensure the conclusion directly addresses the 'how far' element rather than just summarising.
    • 💡Use the 'Item' provided in the question paper as a springboard; explicitly quote or reference the text to secure AO2 marks.
    • 💡Allocate approximately 1 minute per mark; spend 12-15 minutes on the final essay question.
    • 💡Chain reasoning is essential: State the feature of ownership -> Explain the mechanism -> Analyse the impact on the audience.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'ownership' with 'editorship' without distinguishing between strategic and day-to-day control.
    • Presenting a one-sided argument (usually Marxist) without acknowledging Pluralist counter-arguments regarding consumer choice.
    • Using lay terms like 'rich people' instead of sociological terminology such as 'bourgeoisie', 'oligopoly', or 'media moguls'.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss how far
    Examine
    Evaluate

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