Abstract

The selection and distribution of program content in the United States have been studied previously within evolving economic models. This chapter examines business-to-business and business-to-consumer market activity among media companies and industries in an era of discontinuous change. This chapter reviews recent research on content distribution and tracks the current and shifting structure of media outlets that are frequently disrupted by new technology, competition, and audience fragmentation. The function and structure of content industries are considered in terms of strategies and tactics in response to changes in the media landscape. The underlying economic system and new habits of media consumers receive additional attention, as does the merging of production and distribution by major media players, some of whom are wholly new competitors.