The media in the United States has gone through several changes throughout history. Early on, the press was seen as important for public discourse and debate. However, over time media became big business, with large companies owning most newspapers and radio/TV stations. Deregulation in the 1980s and 1990s led to even more media consolidation, with just a few huge corporations now controlling around 90% of the market. This raises questions about whether the needs of the public are still being served over pure profit.

1. A Brief History Of The Media In The United States With Pictures

3. so that the community might hear and judge the merit of the views of others

20. What does it all mean? What are the dangers? Why should I care?

21. These questions will be explored in this unit