Now that you have read through Chapter Six, you are ready to work on your
research paper.
1. Choose one of the three firms (News Corporation,
Disney, or AOL/Time Warner) and focus on two of its subsidiaries (for example, Disney owns the ABC network and several radio
stations). In text, refer to pages 213 (News Corporation Holdings), page 219 (Disney Holdings), and page 226 (AOL/Time
Warner Holdings) for lists of subsidiary companies.
2. For each subsidiary,
find at least 5 articles that describe in detail how media materials (entertainment, news, information, etc.) are moved across
media boundaries. For example, Disney’s music company might be working with Disney’s magazines to hype new CD
soundtracks of Disney movies. Pay close attention to synergies (see chapter 5, pp. 191-193) within the media conglomerates
that encourage these cross-media activities, and to joint ventures between different firms that encourage cross-media activities.
3. Write a
5-7 page paper discussing your findings. Be sure to include a properly noted reference list and to cite your sources accurately
and thoroughly within your paper.
Just a reminder that this is your most significant assignment, and it is worth 200 points. If you
have any questions or want me to review drafts before you submit, just let me know. The due date for the
research paper is November 21. That way, you can enjoy Thanksgiving, and that gives me time to grade them
and get them back for you quickly.
