Industry theory

3 key theorists to learn

•    Hesmondhalgh

•    Curran & Seaton

• Livingstone & Lunt

Theories of industries: how i can use them

• Curran and Seaton will be relevant to the ownership
and control of any media industry studied.
• Livingstone and Lund will be relevant to regulation.
• Hesmondhalgh will be relevant to the study of any
cultural industry.





Curran and Seaton: key quotation

“The free market makes the press a representative institution…newspapers and magazines are to respond to the concerns of their readers if they are to stay in business”

(Curran & Seaton)

The freedom to publish in a free market ensures the press reflects a wide range of opinions and interests in a society. If a viewpoint is missing in the press, this is because it lacks a sufficient following to sustain it in the market place.

“The press is the people’s watchdog, scrutinizing the actions of government and holding the country’s rulers to account.”

Use this theory when explaining the power of media institutions and how monopolies can project ideas and messages to  mass audiences.