Tag: digital media

List of Biggest Media Companies in the World

The participation of mass media enterprises such as commercial, print publication, digital media, motion pictures and news, make media companies the most powerful. In the early 1980, over 90% of the media in America was run by almost 50 different companies. But in 1992 the number dropped to less than twenty-four, and in recent years, that same 90% lay fallen to a number of major conglomerates.

Here is the list of the Top media giants that set a benchmark for other media enterprises throughout the world.

Comcast
The Walt Disney Company
Time Warner
CBS and Viacom
Netflix
Sony
The New York Times Company
YouTube
Zee News
FAQ

Comcast

Net Worth estimated at around $210 billion.

Founded almost 58 years ago, Comcast is a massive multimedia conglomerate in the world by revenue. In 2014, Comcast reportedly made nearly $69 billion as reported by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In 2013, Comcast has owned 51% of NBC Universal from GE (General Electric). Hence Comcast is the preeminent one, for its strong commitments and consistency.

It is the single major cable TV operator and internet service provider in United States. However, the content is created through its subsidiaries like AT & T Broadband, DreamWorks Animation which is then aired over TV and the Internet through Comcast Xfinity. The leader company is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Comcast vs Disney

The Walt Disney Company

Net Worth is estimated at around $220 billion.

The next largest mass media and entertainment conglomerate is The Walt Disney Company and its corporate headquarters are in Burbank, California. The company has ownership in pleasure grounds, film studios, and multiple television networks, such as the ABC, A&E and ESPN.

They also have holdings in heritage companies like Marvel Entertainment and Lucasfilm of the Star Wars franchise. The mission is to entice and inspire people from all over, with recognized brands, entertaining sources and new innovations.

Time Warner

Net Worth is estimated at around $80 billion.

Time Warner is an independent conglomerate, and is also recognized as the world’s biggest producers by revenue. By 1990, the company became the world’s most famous media company until Warner signed an unsuccessful amalgamation with Dot-Com Bubble that ultimately led to heavy fall of $98.7 billion alliance in 2002.

The Dot-Com Bubble was one of the most major economic events in recent history that ultimately led to a stock market crash. The Dot-Com Bubble started in 1990s with a rapid wave of new internet companies. So like many other companies, Time Warner too suffered recession with the merger.

But in 2009, Time Warner regained its leader position. As per 2017 reports, Warner is estimated to have raised $31.27 billion in approx. Since then, AOL and Time Inc., as well as Time Warner’s entire cable division have become separate companies.

CBS and Viacom

Net worth of Viacom CBS is estimated at around $17.5 billion.

CBS and Viacom, being among the diversified multimedia conglomerate reportedly made about $14 to $15 billion in revenue each as per 2013 records. They used to be a single conglomerate administered by National Amusements, a movie theater chain.

Viacom CBS

On 13 August 2019, it was officially announced that CBS and Viacom would merge into a new entity known as Viacom CBS after their separation from the first personification of Viacom in January 2006.

Netflix

Net Worth is estimated at around $234billion.

Relatively a new comer to the Entertainment industry, Netflix is one of the top entertainment media that has expanded over time. In just 20-25 years, it has set the bar high making billions in annual revenue, and ranking 15^th on the most innovative companies list. And is the 79^th most relevant media in the world.

Netflix Fact

The film and television joint i.e., Netflix both in annual revenue of approximately $7.15million. The company is headquartered in the town of Scotts Valley, California.

Sony

Net Worth is estimated at around $95billion.

Sony is the biggest and most diverse conglomerate corporation, based in Japan that includes game and network services, music, pictures, and electronic products and solutions.

The New York Times Company

Net Worth is estimated at around $10 billion.

Established in the year 1851, The New York Times Company is currently under the chairmanship of A.G. Sulzberger. The company aims in enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high quality news, and other media properties.

It also produce iconic newspapers and is one of the most respected source of news. In 2019, it had a raise of $1.81 billion revenue. Along with YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, the company added new digital subscribers in the recent quarter.

YouTube

Net Worth is estimated at around $170 billion.

Indeed YouTube is the pulsating sensation of the electronic community that has incited the video sector. From my reminiscence, VCR and then DVD player were the only source of medium to watch videos, and then we moved to cable networks and now its YouTube.

YouTube fact

But only about 30 years ago, streaming videos over the internet was pretty much the toughest science figment. The YouTube phenomena has been around for approximately 15 years and already it has definitely changed the world with its influence and it is truly over-whelming.

Zee News

Net Worth is estimated at around $93 billion.

Owned by the Essel Group, Zee News is an exclusive news channel from India and World that research and streamline breaking news relating to business, glamour, economy, politics, sports, art and science. With a dedicated team of sincere and efficient employees, the company is predominantly focused on public awareness about all affairs.

The journalists reach anywhere and everywhere to give eyes to the necessities, and with this they are able to spread cognizance about uncertainties and promote good for the better. In 2018, there was a raise in valuation from about 75 billion rupees.

FAQ

Is Google a media company?

Richard Gingras, an American Internet executive and entrepreneur, argues that the company does not “produce media” that this is the reason Google does not describe itself as a media company.

What is the richest entertainment company in the world?

Comcast is the richest entertainment company in the world.

Who is the biggest broadcaster in the world?

Comcast Corp is the biggest broadcaster in the world.

Conclusion

Digital media companies are different from traditional companies as they tend to have more streams of revenue. Media industry is considered as the one of the most profitable industries in world. Many advertisers are more comfortable paying to reach consumers online.

March 25, 2021
How Indian media has Transformed over years [Case Study]

Media as we know it has become an indispensable part of our lives. Without it, I think we’d barely sustain the economic and demographic environment lest having a path carved to move forward. The enormous sea of information that we have access to, is to the grace of this media.

We have come decades ahead from telegrams and fax messages which were the primary mediums of passing sensitive information to the world of the internet and smartphones where nothing really is ever sensitive.

The 24*7 media has taken us into the whirlpool of its headlines and breaking news and keeps us on our toes with the latest updates. Print media, Cinema, broadcasts, radio, and now the Gen Z favorite digital media are now the new improved, tech-savvy, and info-rich tools used to pass on information to the masses.

History of Indian Media
The Present of the Indian Media
Growth of Indian channels, and media outlets
How Indian media has changed the course of country’s politics and dynamics
Future of Indian Media
FAQ

History of Indian Media

Indian media is the largest and the oldest media that has seen itself unfold during the 18th century. The footfalls of pre-independence saw the birth of print media in 1780. Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was the first newspaper introduced under the British Raj.

As the fate of India unfolded in the hands of the colonizers there were several other newspapers that steadily made their presence established. This print media later proved to become a powerful weapon at the hands of freedom fighters who spread the message of independence to the masses. The Madras Courier (1785) and the Bombay Herald (1789) were the ones that followed in the early 18th century.

Pre-Independence

Pre-Independence saw a multitude of print media founders support and aggregate the freedom struggle. Mirat-ul-Akbar ( a Persian Journal) by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Rast Goftar by Dadabhai Naoroji, Kesari by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The Indian Opinion by Mahatma Gandhi were some of the prominent newspapers that took responsibility to encourage masses to come forward for the freedom movement.

After Independence

Even after Independence, the print media was dominated by English newspapers. Firstly, because of the exalted position of the language and secondly because of the Morse code on typewriters which were difficult for vernacular languages. Steadily, Indian languages rose to the occasion and started printing their own press.

Indian press witnessed its first-ever revolt when the (then) Prime Minister Indira Gandhi announced a nationwide emergency during 1975-1977. This has set a precedent for how nations should not be treating their press. This suspended basic civil liberties-press being among several others.

The Draconian law

The Draconian law under the government threatened and arrested anyone who reported against the tyranny. The 21 month period of emergency had the Indian media on its leash and the publications had to run their content through a Chief Press Advisor before publishing.

Radio broadcasting was first initiated in 1927 but became a state-owned department in 1930. The ministry of broadcasting and information then held the apparatus including Doordarshan, the first Indian Television channel. It is one of two statutory bodies of the Indian Public Broadcaster Prasar Bharati.

Doordarshan

Indian Cinema

The Indian Cinema dates back to 1913 when Dadasaheb Phalke, a scholar on Indian languages and culture, pioneered the motion picture industry by producing the first full-length motion picture “Raja Harishchandra”. Indian cinema has been tested in many waters to become Bollywood today. Today, India is the second-largest producer of movies in the world.

Indian cinema with respect to its viewers has been very protective of the content and subject matter that is shown to the masses. India holds very dearly to its religious and social-political views. Indian audiences are still not very accepting of mature and sensitive topics such as same-sex relationships, casteism, and politics.

There have been excellent filmmakers who have tried to carve out these subjects keeping in mind the sensitivity of the Indian audience. We are yet to reach the maturity mark as a collective audience when it comes to raw and unfiltered content.

Indian media

The Present of the Indian Media

The media and entertainment industry has grown exponentially over the past few decades. Today, with more than 118000 registered publications for newspapers and periodicals and makes India the second-largest country in newspaper consumption.

Television Media

India has 850 TV channels across all spoken languages with 197 million households having television sets in use. Every language in the Indian subcontinent has its own set of channels of entertainment. Colors, Zee, Star are some of the leading networks spread pan India covering news and entertainment in all the main languages.

India is currently witnessing the exit of single-screen theatres as major multiplex players like Cinepolis, INOX, PVR, and Carnival Cinemas have taken over the screenings. India has lost about 12% of single-screen theatres due to the novel corona Virus outbreak. These theatres are unlikely to return to business and may be taken over by multiplex chains.

OTT Platforms in India

The Over-the-top (OTT) platforms have been around since 2008. But their viewership rose significantly when we were forced into our homes for almost a year thanks to the pandemic. OTT platforms were devoid of censorship and operated pan India since the internet has no geographical barriers.

Today OTT platforms in India have valued at a revenue of Rs 40,000 crore with 40 mainstream OTT platforms running under the Indian umbrella. Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix India, SonyLiv, Alt Balaji, Voot are some of the established OTT platforms which are giving the DTH industry a run for its money.

Growth of Indian channels, and media outlets

Currently, the country consumes media through platforms such as TV, OTT, Print, VFX, Radio broadcasts, Gaming, and digital advertisements. India’s Ad revenue is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2021-2024.

Due to the rapid growth in the number of internet users, the digital avenues are looking at a projection to reach a CAGR of 26% by 2024 including print and TV platforms, making India the six-largest demographic with an industry revenue worth $2.9 Billion.

Digital advertising revenue in India from financial year 2010 to 2020

How Indian media has changed the course of country’s politics and dynamics

News Media

With news giants like NDTV, CNBC, Aaj Tak, and ABP networks, India has around 892 news channels. These media houses have gained power over the course and have divided the Indian audiences into two wings.

Some of the media houses are owned by the wings themselves. The politics and propaganda attribute to the success and TRPs of these media houses. A free press is becoming a serious worry in terms of authenticity and is lacking awareness.

In recent times, journalism has cost a few passionate journalists their lives, and freedom of expression which one of the basic human rights in our constitution is ceasing to have much value. The political dominance over the free press is evident and intimidating.

India’s Freedom status

India’s status has been degraded from ‘Free” to “Partially Free” by the NGO Freedom House due to a “crackdown on expressions of dissent by the media, academics, civil society groups, and protesters”.

According to the Freedom in the World report, 2020, India’s score has decked to 67 from 70 out of 100. This is extremely serious and unnerving as we are losing the democratic status that we’ve held on since our independence.

“Under Modi, India appears to have abandoned its potential to serve as a global democratic leader, elevating narrow Hindu nationalist interests at the expense of its founding values of inclusion and equal rights for all,” the report said.

The free reign enjoyed by the digital media became a recent target of the nationalist government when it introduced new Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 (Rules) for the functioning of OTT platforms. The new code of ethics needs to classify the content based on the viewer’s age, theme, tone, and impact.

Future of Indian Media

“With India’s decline to Partly Free,” the report said, “less than 20 percent of the world’s population now lives in a Free country, the smallest proportion since 1995.” The current state of media and entertainment is a little gloomy and seems to be surrounded by the clouds of arbitrary laws and coercion.

The growth in terms of numbers is truly exponential. With OTT and Social Media platforms, media is pushing itself towards its highest potential. Content is King: but what if this content is under constant surveillance and the freedom of expression is compromised.

The future is blurry for Indian Media and entertainment with an arbitrary wave riding its proficiency. Will India go back to being “Free” again? Or will it succumb to the political propaganda and lose its free press. These are the questions that are doing rounds of discussions among the intellectuals of our country.

FAQ

Who owns print media?

ThePrint is an Indian online newspaper. It is supported by Printline Media Pvt Ltd, a company headquartered in New Delhi.

Who owns NDTV in India?

New Delhi Television Ltd. is an Indian news media company that owns and operates the broadcast news channels of NDTV India and NDTV 24×7.

Who is the first woman journalist in India?

Homai Vyarawalla was India’s first woman photojournalist.

Conclusion

Indian media is a mess and we need to learn to distinguish between faux news and genuine journalism. As citizens, it is our responsibility to maintain the status of a democratic nation on the world front.

March 22, 2021
New Guidelines for Social Media Platforms Explained

The government had issued new rules and guidelines for the social media intermediaries and social media platforms in the country. On 25 February 2021, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has announced its draft Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, for social media platforms.

Ravi Shankar Prasad announced during a press conference that these rules are not a newly framed one but were already the existing ones under the IT act. He also said that he is trusting the platforms to follow these rules. Self-regulation will be the focus of these guidelines.

The rules have provided a difference between significant social media intermediaries and regular social media intermediaries.
The new guidelines for the social media platforms are:

Social Media Intermediaries
Identifying the originator of a message
Verification of Users
FAQ

Social Media Intermediaries

Social Media Platforms with a minimum of 50 Lakh registered users in India are under the group of significant social media intermediaries. They are subject to maximum compliance.

However, the government wants other Social Media platforms to comply with the rules and regulations applicable to these significant social media intermediaries. That is only if the services of these platforms create a risk in the integrity and sovereignty of the country.

The government wants social media platforms to come up with a mechanism where users can express their complaints. It wants Social Media intermediaries to have the following:

Chief Compliance Officer – The Chief Compliant Officer will be responsible to maintain compliance with the rules and Acts.

Nodal Contact Person – The Nodal Contact person will be responsible for maintaining contact with the law enforcement agencies (the government) 24/7.

Resident Grievance Officer – The Resident Grievance Officer will be responsible for managing the grievances from the users and is expected to perform the functions that are mentioned under the mechanism of Grievance Redressal.

All the above mentioned officers have to be a resident of India. Even the significant social media companies are supposed to have a physical contact address in India. This will create an impact for the foreign players because they will have to set up an infrastructure and extend resources and taxation.

The government says it is a step to strengthen social media users and other intermediaries. The government wants a Chief Compliant Officer even for significant social media companies. According to the new guidelines the companies will need to publish a monthly compliance report as well.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Union Minister said that “If there are complaints against the dignity of the users, particularly nudity, women that exploit their private parts or of any other individual, sexual acts, impersonation, etc. should be removed within 24 hours.”

The significant Social Media intermediaries are expected to come up with technology-based measures, automated tools to identify abusive contents and information, child sexual abuse, rape, or any other information which was previously removed.

Most popular Social media Networks

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Identifying the originator of a message

The rules also require significant social media to track the origin of a message. They are supposed to track the “first originator”. This means that your messages wouldn’t be end-to-end encrypted anymore. The Social Media apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. will be forced to break their end-to-end encryption.

The government has said that they are interested in the content of the message but they would want to know who created it. This will be mainly concentrated on messages which are passed on related to the security and sovereignty of India, public order, or concerning rape or any other sexual content.

The government wants the social media intermediaries to disclose the “First originator” of such messages.

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Verification of Users

The significant Social Media intermediaries are supposed to provide a system for the verification of users. For example, through mobile numbers. It is on a voluntary basis.

According to the rules, “users who wish to verify their accounts voluntarily shall be provided with an appropriate procedure to do it. They will be provided with a demonstrable or a visible mark of verification with a tick or a dot.

It can be a setback on the user’s privacy even though the verification is on a voluntary basis. The user’s information that is collected can become a part of the privacy policy which the social media platforms have the right to use. The users wouldn’t have an option. They will have to consent to the platform’s privacy policy.

FAQ

Who regulates social media in India?

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regulates social media in India.

What is the most used social media platform in India?

Facebook is the most used social media platform in India.

Which social media company Facebook owns?

Facebook currently owns Instagram and WhatsApp.

Conclusion

Even though after the implementation of the new guidelines, foreign players would still be interested in setting up their business in India because there is an absence of a registration or a mandatory licensing framework for the digital media business. The rules will be put in effect once it is published in the gazette. The additional due diligence which is meant for the significant social media intermediaries will come into effect 3 months after the publication of these rules.

March 4, 2021