Types of questions in the exam

In the exam you will need to be prepared to discuss the following in relation to your study of the music industry: 

The issues raised by media ownership:

The importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production distribution and marketing

The technologies that have been introduced  in recent years at the levels of production, distribution, marketing and exchange.

The significance of the proliferation of hardware and content for institutions and audiences.

The importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences

The issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences (specifically British) by international or global institutions.

The ways in which your own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns of audience behaviour.

Vertical and Horizontal Integration

Vertical Integration is when the company has the ownership of production, distribution and exchange - the company is able to do everything itself. Therefore the company is able to gain all the profits. This is why a company like Sony has a lot of money because they are able do everything themselves compared to an independent company who don't have the money and pay to use facilities.

Horizontal Integration is when the company expands but instead of different areas it is the same area. For example music industries buying smaller industries. This allows the company to develop and expand the same area of the industry.