Institutions

In my media studies AS course we are also looking at institutions. Institutions are almost like huge companies, that own a chain of things or places. The owners of these institutions opress their opinions and ideas upon their companies so that every part of the institution holds the same values and express these values.
This biggest example of institution is The Disney Corporation. Disney own a whole host of things from expansions of their company such as Disney Interactive, Disney Pixar, all of the Disney Land resorts and of course all the merchandise sold there and in Disney Stores. They also own a variation of television channels, including all of their own branch, ABC, ESPN, The Discovery Channel, The History Channel and even 25% of GMTV. On top of this they own the other films companies Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax Films and are currently in the process of owning Marvel Studios. By owning a company like Marvel Studios, Disney doesn't just make a profit from their films, but also all of their merchandise, which is in huge demand. Disney own their own book publisher and have even created their own town in America called Celebration, which only allows people without a criminal record to live in it, it has a sensational ratio of more white people to black people and prefers to home families.
The issue with Disney owning so much is that they press family values. They make all of their companies do this, even if the viewers or customer isn't aware of this. Disney tends not to make people aware of their control over big names such as ESPN and ABC because most people would find it strange to have their news delievered by a company known for making family films and that express every inch of family values in their products. It also stops other peoples thoughts and opinions being expressed. In all of these products we are gaining the values of one person or company and this is spread throughout all of Disney's investments. It also stops money going into other companies and investments. Disney is the worlds largest conglomerate.