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More Perfect Union@MorePerfectUS · Dec 5, 2025

Forty years ago, 90% of media outlets were spread across 50 companies. Now, just 5 companies control 90% of the media…

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Summary

Media ownership has consolidated dramatically from 50 companies controlling 90% of outlets in 1984 to just 5 companies today, a trend accelerated by the 1996 Telecommunications Act. This consolidation reduces competition, makes independent creators vulnerable, raises consumer prices, and threatens traditional industries like movie theaters.

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  1. #1

    Forty years ago, 90% of media outlets were spread across 50 companies. Now, just 5 companies control 90% of the media market. This consolidation hurts consumers and helps oligarchs. 🧵

  2. #2

    In 1996, President Clinton passed the Telecommunications Act. This repealed New Deal restrictions on media consolidation. It also continued industry deregulation stretching back to Carter and Reagan. thebignewsletter.com/p/on-jimmy-kim…

  3. #3

    When only a few companies control the media, they become easier to censor and control. It also leaves independent creators with fewer buyers and drives up prices for consumers. nofilmschool.com/john-waters-20…

  4. #4

    Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros would be the latest in this harmful trend — and could kill the movie theater industry. If Netflix gets their way, their increased domination would make things worse for viewers and artists. wsj.com/business/media…