Media Convergence in Action
Paper details:
This assignment explores how media convergence shapes content, ownership, and revenue models across multiple platforms. Students will analyze how a chosen media property—such as a movie franchise, video game, TV series, or news organization—extends into different mediums and the implications of corporate ownership on creative and business decisions.
LO(s):
Identify the major mass communication mediums and summarize recurring themes throughout mass communication history.
Analyze how media convergence, new digital technology, and audience fragmentation are impacting media industries and mass communication.
Explain how corporate owned media influences both program content and media industry structure.
Weekly LO (s):
Students will explore media convergence by analyzing how ownership and revenue models shape content, choosing an example they enjoy and researching its function across platforms.
Step 1: Choose an Example of Media Convergence
Pick a media property that exists across multiple platforms. Some examples include:
A movie franchise (e.g., Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars) that extends into video games, books, TV series, or merchandise.
A TV show that expands into social media and streaming (e.g., Stranger Things using TikTok and YouTube for promotions).
A video game with a crossover into movies, comics, and streaming (e.g., The Witcher as a book, game, and Netflix series).
A news organization that operates across print, digital, and social media (e.g., The New York Times and its podcasts, YouTube, and subscription models).
A music artist leveraging multiple media (e.g., Beyoncé using streaming, social media, concerts, and merchandise).
Step 2: Research & Analyze
Write a well-structured 2-3 page paper that addresses the following:
How Is the Media Portrayed Across Different Mediums?
Describe how your chosen media property appears across multiple platforms.
How does the content change depending on the medium? (e.g., A superhero in a comic book vs. in a movie).
How does each platform contribute to the storytelling, branding, or experience?
Who Owns It?
Identify the major company or companies that own and distribute this media.
Are there partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions involved in its expansion?
How does corporate ownership affect creative or business decisions?
How Does It Make Money?
Explore the revenue streams for this media across different platforms.
Consider different monetization models, such as:
Box office sales, streaming subscriptions, or pay-per-view
Advertising (TV, YouTube, podcasts, or social media ads)
Merchandising (toys, clothing, collectibles)
Licensing deals (games, spinoffs, sponsorships)
Crowdfunding or direct fan support (Patreon, concert tickets, fan subscriptions)
Which platform seems to be the most profitable, and why?
Impact of Media Convergence
How has media convergence changed the way audiences engage with this content?
Does convergence allow for more creative storytelling, or does it lead to over-commercialization?
How does media ownership influence diversity and representation in content?
Use at least three credible sources, including industry reports, articles, or academic studies.
Follow APA formatting, including in-text citations and a reference page.
Submit as a double-spaced document with 12-poikovnt Times New Roman font.