Media proprietor

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2009)

A media proprietor or media mogul is a person who controls, either through personal ownership or a via dominant position in any media enterprise a large amount of published media, consumed by a large number of individuals. Those with significant control of a large company in the mass media may also be called a tycoon, baron, or business magnate.

History

The figure of the media proprietor first became prominent in the 19th century with the development of mass circulation newspapers. In the 20th century the definition of proprietorship expanded to include ownership of radio and television networks, as well as film studios, publishing houses and more recently internet and other forms of multimedia companies. The term "press baron" was replaced by "media" baron, reflecting this and the term "media mogul" was popularized.

Examples of Media Moguls

• Ted Turner (founder of CNN and TBS)
• Oprah Winfrey (founder/CEO of Harpo Productions)
• Vincent McMahon (founder of WWE)
• Rupert Murdoch (founder/CEO of News Corporation)
• Michael Bloomberg (founder of Bloomberg L.P.)
• Hugh Hefner (founder of Playboy Enterprises)
• Steve Forbes (CEO of Forbes)
• Silvio Berlusconi (founder/CEO of Mediaset and former PM of Italy)

See also

• Business magnate
• Media conglomerate