Conglomerate Rock: The Music Industry's Quest to Divide Music and Conquer Wallets

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Conglomerate Rock examines how the music industry is creating a new distribution infrastructure by dividing access to exclusive releases through different subscription services, hardware, and new media like audio DVDs in order to maximize profits. Author David J. Park argues that while these changes make it easier to see and hear artists from a handful of transnational corporations in commercial culture, access to music is becoming more dispersed, expensive and difficult to acquire. In addition, music and performers are increasingly being cross-promoted in films, television shows, commercials and other media owned by the Big 4 corporations. Conglomerate Rock critically analyzes these and other trends in order to provoke public discussion concerning the interaction between industry practice and music consumption. The present strategies employed by the industry will have long-term effects on the way consumers experience and access music, as well as how culture is viewed and portrayed in the United States and throughout the world.

Reviews

Park's Conglomerate Rock will make a fascinating read for those who are looking for a comprehensive review of changes related to digital music. -- Minjeong Kim * Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly *
David J. Park has written the book we have all been waiting for: a definitive treatment of how the music industry is adapting to the digital world, written from the perspective of musicians, music lovers, and the general public. This is a fabulously informative and up-to-date study that should be mandatory reading for all communication scholars and students interested in the digital revolution, as well as all who care about music.Conglomerate Rock chronicles the conflict between concentrated corporate power and culture as well as any book in years. -- Robert W. McChesney, author, Blowing the Roof Off the Twenty-First Century: Media, Politics, and the Struggle

Author Bio

David J. Park is assistant professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Florida International University (FIU). He teaches in the graduate program at FIUs School of Journalism and Mass Communication.