Media, New and Otherwise

News, online, movies, advertising, television, mobile, videogames, music, books, social media — all part of the industry of informing and entertaining, and all being revolutionized. In this course we will do a quick overview of the media business — from startups to global conglomerates.

We will address a wide range of topics: the economics of media organizations (and industries), their organizational structures, cultures, brands, and approaches.

Some of the questions we'll discuss:

• ­How do traditional media address changing technologies?
• ­How is the media business driven by metrics and data? How is it driven by artistic creativity?
• ­Are media companies too big? Are they too small?

Students will present strategies for media companies, hear from guest speakers, and discuss the transformations happening in media. Students should expect to have significant input into the companies and topics we discuss.

We will make every attempt to avoid predictions about the future; we might occasionally succeed.

Note: This course is cross-listed in the Haas School of Business.

May not be taken for credit if student has previously taken Info 290: Media, New and Otherwise.