Why does economics drive most media companies?

Economics drive most media companies, because money is the producer and the person with the money is the one who “runs the show”. Economics is defined as the branch of social science that deals with the production and distribution of goods and services and their management. From this definition it is only proper that the media is controlled and managed through economics because the media could not function unless there was some form of money driving it. Capitalism and economics are closely related because, the mass media is a function in the media-driven system of capitalism. Capitalism is defined as “an economic system with private owners operating trade and industry for profit” (Vivian, 54). Mass media were primarily owned by an entrepreneur, but in our times today it seems as though large companies, or conglomerates, have taken over the media. The obvious reason for this is that large companies can get much more funding from advertisers and sales than one individual. It is quite apparent that economics drive media when you look at the impact that the “recession” is having on this industry. It has been said that “most of the concern focused on news-oriented media and the implications of their disappearance for the informed citizenry that is needed for democracy to function” (Vivian, 60). Essentially it is saying that the media is needed to keep a well informed nation that can function as a democracy, but because of the recent downfall in economy, the media has had to brainstorm new ideas to keep this industry afloat. Some of the ideas include, community foundations, nonprofits, family ownership, and government ownership or operated media. All these ideas are flawed and until the economy gets stabilized, the media is in danger of collapsing.