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While media owners argue that media concentration is necessary for survival in the global economy, critics believe it can lead to a monopoly of ideas. The two Royal Commissions on newspapers both make suggestions about media concentration that were not implemented. As Internet, wire services, newspapers, television, and magazines increasingly converge under the power of a few conglomerates, the debate continues as to whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Students will select a topic on media concentration and convergence in Canada and write a research paper on the topic. Some topic suggestions include:

Principles of the Canadian press

Government interference and ownership control

The Royal Commissions on newspapers

The future of media in Canada

The relationship between editorial content and ownership control

Freedom of the press

The CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) CanWest Global Communications, Conrad Black, Quebecor, The Rogers Group, GTC Transcontinental, Bell Globemedia, Torstar Corporation, Shaw Communications, or Ken Thomson

As a class, discuss the various issues that students researched and invite each student to summarize some key points from his or her essay. Overall, does the class support or oppose media concentration and convergence? How do they think the issue might develop and change in the next 5 years? In the next 10 years?

Have students submit their essays for assessment.