Question

Fewer than 10 companies own 90 percent of all media companies. How does this affect the influence these companies have on public opinion and policy?

It increases the number of people the media can reach.
It reduces the number of perspectives that shape opinions.
It reduces the amount of influence the media has on public opinion.
It increases the variety of viewpoints the public receives on issues.

Answer 1

Correct answers: 1 and 2.

- It increases the number of people the media can reach — True. Large conglomerates control many outlets and platforms, so a single company can distribute the same message widely and efficiently.
- It reduces the number of perspectives that shape opinions — True. Concentrated ownership narrows who decides what gets covered and how, limiting diversity of viewpoints.

The other two are false:
- It does not reduce the media’s influence on public opinion; consolidation tends to concentrate and often increase influence.
- It does not increase the variety of viewpoints; it typically decreases viewpoint diversity.