The 6 Companies That Own (Almost) All Media [INFOGRAPHIC]

The term “The Big 6” refers to six dominant media conglomerates that collectively own and control a significant portion of the global media landscape. Despite the existence of numerous independent media outlets, these six companies have a substantial influence over the distribution of information across various platforms. This encompasses not only news outlets but also 24-hour news channels, newspapers, publishing houses, internet services, and even video game development.

Below is an overview of each of The Big 6, their ownership structures, and the entities under their control:

1. **National Amusements**: A private company owned by Sumner Redstone, it operates a vast array of entertainment properties, including movie theaters and a stake in Viacom and CBS. The company also owns Simon and Schuster and has a controlling interest in CBS Interactive, which manages popular gaming websites like GameSpot and Metacritic.

2. **The Walt Disney Company**: A powerhouse in the entertainment industry, Disney owns a wide range of media properties, from television and film to theme parks and sports. Under CEO Bob Iger, Disney has expanded its empire through the acquisition of Marvel and Lucasfilm. The company controls major assets in television, film, print, and video games, including GameStar, a leading video game developer.

3. **Time Warner**: Headed by CEO Jeff Bewkes, Time Warner is a major player in television, film, and print. It owns Warner Brothers Animation Studios, has a stake in Hulu and CW, and controls HBO, which gained global fame with “Game of Thrones.” The company also has a diverse investment portfolio, including DC Comics, Looney Tunes, and video game studios like NetherRealm.

4. **Comcast**: An Internet service provider and cable television company, Comcast acquired NBC in 2013, expanding its media holdings. CEO Brian L. Roberts has led the company to significant financial success, with an annual revenue of $74.5 billion. Comcast’s media assets include Universal Pictures, AwesomenessTV, and Big Idea.

5. **News Corp**: Best known for its Fox brands, News Corp is a major player in television, film, music, and print. CEO Rupert Murdoch has built an international empire that includes the Wall Street Journal, HarperCollins, and a significant stake in Fox News. The company also has a substantial presence in radio broadcasting through Wireless Group PLC.

6. **Sony**: A historic electronics company, Sony has diversified into various media industries, including television, film, music, and internet services. CEO Kazuo Hirai has led Sony through challenges and successes, maintaining its competitive edge in the global market. Sony’s media holdings include television and film studios, a strong music division, and So-net, an internet service provider in Japan.

These six companies, with their combined market value exceeding that of some countries, are formidable forces in the media industry. Their influence is expected to persist for decades, driven by their relentless pursuit of growth and expansion.