Corporate news can be defined as media produced or distributed by large corporations or conglomerates that own a number of different news outlets. The most common types of corporate news are television and radio channels, newspapers, and online platforms. Some examples include the New York Times, CBS News, and Fox News.
When corporations own media sources they are able to use them to promote their own views or the viewpoints of groups that share their own interests. This can be dangerous in a democratic society when the media is not being honest with its readers about where it is coming from.
It is easy to see when a media source is biased by taking a look at the amount of space or air time it devotes to certain issues or opinions. This can be measured by looking at the scope of an issue or an event and adding up column inches or broadcast minutes that are dedicated to promoting a particular viewpoint.
Often when large media companies acquire smaller local news sources, the main focus of those sites tends to shift to match the priorities of the parent company. This is particularly true with local television and radio stations. These formats are very expensive to operate and they usually only appeal to a small audience, making them a good candidate for acquisition by a larger corporation looking to expand its reach.
Increasingly there is hope that a reversal in the trend towards consolidation of news sources will begin to take place. With the success of union organizing efforts by journalists in New Jersey and elsewhere, non-profit cooperative journalism like that of the Associated Press, and philanthropic and community-based news organizations like the Lenfest Institute for Journalism there is reason to be optimistic.
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