The American Truth

In chapter 14, I introduced the topic of media control in Nathan’s conversation with a Time Magazine writer. While this conversation served no purpose in the overall plot, I felt like this was one of the “American Truths” that needed to be in the book. In this article, I wanted to go into more depth on the issue and whether the control of the media should be a concern.

It is said that over 90% of our media is controlled by seven media conglomerates. Over 95% is controlled by the top 12 firms. With the proliferation of media mergers and buyouts occurring today, the number of media companies is growing increasing smaller, and the top corporations are growing increasingly larger and more powerful. This trend can be seen in the decrease in the number major corporations in the U.S. Media. In 1983, it took more than fifty corporations just to make up a majority of U.S. media. Now, seven corporations own more than 90%.

The seven corporations are:
1. Time Warner
2. Disney
3. News Corp.
4. Bertelsmann AG
5. GE
6. CBS
7. Viacom

**Note: The list of assets controlled by these corporations goes well beyond the television channels and film studios associated with these groups. Personally, I was amazed to find out that these groups controlled hundreds of different media outlets including local television stations, book publishers, and magazines. I’ve created an exhaustive 13-page list that outlines all the assets owned by these companies at: Article: The Big 7

Many have argued that the American media is becoming a “monopoly.” Corporations purchase and merge “properties” not because their company can provide better quality programming or more access to the public; corporations acquire other media groups for the sheer reason of generating more profits. Many journalists have admitted today’s media is more about making money for a corporation, than providing quality entertainment, wholesome education, or truthful news/information.

Many skeptics of 9/11 Truth complain that if there was significant evidence to doubt the official 9/11 story, that certainly it would be all over the news. However, even if journalists find that 9/11 Truth has a compelling case (and many have), they cannot run a story on the issues unless they get approval from “up top.” And like I pointed out in The American Truth, every media corporation wants the government on their side.

The main concern about this “monopoly” is that allows for the opportunity for profit-hungry conglomerations to control what the public does and does not know. My concern is not only about the power held by these corporations, but how Americans have become so dependent on television as their ultimate source of information. A large number of individuals around the globe have become used to gluing their eyes on the screen and taking in everything as the absolute truth. As a society, most of us have lost the ability to think with an open mind and think about the information that’s entering our heads. My concern is not about the information the media is feeding, but it’s our society willingness to accept whatever we are presented.