A Comparative Analysis of Monopoly Issues in Old and New Media.
This paper proposes to analyze the contemporary manifestation of "New Media" - more commonly referred to as IT (Information Technology; i.e. personal computers; the Internet; the World Wide Web) - conglomerates such as AOL/Time-Warner in comparison with the market practices and monopolies in the "Old Media" as represented by the Bell company. It will be argued that the emergence of media monopolies appears to be cyclical over the course of history, and is inherent in the nature of the networks required to support the media dissemination of information. Moreover, in respect to both Old and New Media, it will be shown how monopoly invariably leads to a resistance to innovation and predatory pricing tactics. 16 pgs. 33 f/c. 20b.
