The rise and fall of communication empires

This article explores communication conglomerates and argues that communication empires must be understood within the context of the growth and development and decline and fall of political and other business empires. I argue that media empires are not permanent and omnipotent but rather are subject to the internal needs of organizations and bureaucracies, as well as external economic, financial, and regulatory forces. I assert that those who wish to control or reduce the harmful effect of empires must understand the capitalist environment, as well as the forces driving empires and their leaders. This article explores how empires develop from leaders' egos, needs to acquire resources and promote internal stability, and through unanticipated opportunities. It reveals how communication empires decline due to limitations on growth, bureaucratic problems, loss of leadership, external disruption, corruption, and errors in judgement.