I have the so-called MSM listed as “traditional” media in the title because there are other ways to get our news now, and for that I am so friggin grateful. I define the traditional media as the big three networks (CBS, NBC and ABC) plus the major newspapers like the New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, Chicago Tribune and other regional powerhouses that are owned by huge conglomerates. Also, the radio airwaves, although not as powerful as they once were, are also part of the traditional media. Generally speaking, any media form owned and operated by a big-assed corporation is in this mix ok?
Now, by big-assed corporation, I mean a corporation that is either publicly or privately owned, but the kicker is that they own lots and lots of other companies which might or might not also be considered media outlets. For a complete, and I do mean complete listing of these conglomerates, check out the Columbia Journalism Review site here. It's interacting in that you utilize a pull down menu that contains all the players in the Traditional Media and who owns them, along with what else they own.
Lets look at General Electric as an example. They own NBC and the following companies:
14 Local tv Stations
14 US Telemundo Stations
Salon.com
CNBC
MSNBC
Bravo
Mun2TV
Sci-Fi
Trio
USA
Universal Pictures
Universal Parks & Resorts
Paxson Communications(30%)
NBC Universal Television Studio
NBC Universal Television Distribution
Other General Electric Businesses
GE Aircraft Engines
GE Commercial Finance
GE Consumer Products
GE Industrial Systems
GE Insurance
GE Medical Systems
GE Plastics
GE Power Systems
GE Specialty Materials
GE Transportation Systems
