In legacy media, the landscape is often controlled by major corporations exercising considerable control over the production and circulation of news and entertainment content. There is considerable worry that this concentration of ownership could negatively influence political discussion and diminish the quality of information accessible to citizens. A significant issue arising from consolidated media control is how it risks slanting programming towards lighter fare and amusement, potentially at the cost of a thorough examination of local matters. By concealing the critical details required for people to participate in self-governance, this altered significant risks disqualifying citizens from engaging in the political process in an informed manner through well-considered decision-making.

While there has been an increase in soft news and entertainment content, it has not necessarily led to the dominance of business perspectives in programming, as some had feared. According to Dunaway and Graber, concerns about consolidation revolve around its possible detrimental effects on localism and diversity of perspectives. While coverage of local news was anticipated to substantially decrease after media mergers, surprisingly the opposite has held true as such coverage has remained rather consistent despite opposite expectations.

Many massive corporations have found prosperity in offering news and diversions, and smaller entities too have flourished in providing such content. Despite concerns about the stifling effect of consolidation on smaller enterprises, many have found success in this competitive landscape, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in catering to diverse audiences.

Ultimately, the effect that increased consolidation of media ownership has on both the diversity of perspectives accessible to the general public and the quality of reporting available remains multifaceted, as such an evolution risk narrowing the range of voices and viewpoints heard while the implications depend heavily on specific context in both industry and society. Navigating today's intricate media environment, advocating for openness, variety, and accountability in who holds media's reins and how stories are shaped seems crucial to nurturing lively, aware public interchanges. 

So, I ask the same question posed by Dunaway and Graber, is it sound public policy to allow such consolidation?

Dunaway, Johanna, and Doris A. Graber. Mass Media and American Politics. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (11th Edition). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US), 2022.