-
The largest media conglomerate in the U.S. is Comcast, with a revenue of $121.4 billion.
-
Up to 90% of all U.S. media is controlled by only six companies.
-
The U.S. Entertainment & Media market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% through 2030.
Media companies serve as the critical filters that relay information to the public, encompassing various platforms such as magazines, social media, and television networks. In today’s digital landscape, virtually every business in the entertainment sector has evolved into a media entity to some extent.
This pivotal role grants media companies substantial influence over public perception and knowledge dissemination, and they are well-compensated for this responsibility.
As of 2022, based on revenue and audience size, the 10 largest media conglomerates are:
The 10 Largest Media Conglomerates In The U.S.
-
Comcast Corporation. Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Year Founded: 1963
2022 Annual Revenue: $121.4 billion
Comcast Corporation owns the influential NBCUniversal, which includes major brands such as:
-
Universal Pictures
-
DreamWorks Animation
-
Universal Parks and Resorts
-
MSNBC
-
Oxygen
-
E!
-
USA Network
This extensive portfolio positions Comcast as the second-largest broadcasting and television conglomerate globally, as well as the leading cable television and internet service provider in the U.S., operating in 40 states.
-
-
AT&T. Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Year Founded: 1983
2022 Annual Revenue: $120.741 billion
Known as the world’s largest telecommunications provider, AT&T became a leading media conglomerate following its acquisition of WarnerMedia in 2018. This merger brought a wealth of recognizable brands under its umbrella, including:
-
HBO and Cinemax
-
Turner Entertainment Networks
-
Adult Swim and Cartoon Network
-
CNN News Group
-
DC Entertainment and Films
-
Warner Bros. Pictures
The extensive viewership and revenue generated by these assets solidify AT&T’s position as a top media player.
-
-
Meta – Facebook. Headquarters: Menlo Park, California
Year Founded: 2004
2022 Annual Revenue: $116.6 billion
While often recognized as the leading social networking platform, Facebook also functions as a media conglomerate. CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasizes its identity as a technology company to mitigate the responsibilities of a traditional media source.
With a user base of 2.8 billion worldwide, Facebook’s immense platform generates significant revenue, reflecting its influence as a media entity, ranking third globally behind Google and YouTube.
-
The Walt Disney Company. Headquarters: Burbank, California
Year Founded: 1923
2022 Annual Revenue: $82.7 billion
The Walt Disney Company is a significant player in family-friendly media, encompassing various film production companies such as:
-
Walt Disney Pictures
-
Walt Disney Animation Studios
-
Pixar
-
Marvel Studios
-
20th Century Studios
-
Searchlight Pictures
-
Blue Sky Studios
Disney also operates numerous cable networks, including:
-
Disney Channel
-
Freeform
-
ESPN
-
FX
-
National Geographic
Additionally, Disney generates revenue through theme parks and consumer products, employing a workforce of over 223,000, making it one of the largest single-location employers in the U.S.
-
-
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.. Headquarters: New York, New York
Year Founded: 1990
2022 Annual Revenue: $33.8 billion
Formerly known as Time Warner, WarnerMedia’s acquisition by AT&T for $85 billion in 2018 solidified AT&T’s status as a media giant. WarnerMedia encompasses major film and television assets, including:
-
Turner Broadcasting
-
HBO
-
Warner Bros.
-
New Line Cinema
WarnerMedia was ranked 98th on the Fortune 500 list in 2018.
-
-
Netflix. Headquarters: Los Gatos, California
Year Founded: 1997
2022 Annual Revenue: $31.616 billion
Netflix has emerged as a leading content streaming platform and production company. With over 203.7 million subscribers globally in 2021, including nearly 66 million in the U.S., Netflix operates in more than 190 countries and boasts a diverse international presence.
Today, Netflix holds the title of the largest media company by market capitalization.
-
Paramount Global-CBS. Headquarters: Manhattan, New York
Year Founded: 2019
2022 Annual Revenue: $30.15 billion
Formed through the merger of CBS Corporation and Viacom in 2019, Paramount Global operates a range of media assets, including:
-
Paramount Pictures Film
-
CBS Entertainment Group
-
MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, Comedy Central, and Showtime
-
Simon & Schuster Publishing
The conglomerate operates 170 networks, reaching an estimated 700 million users.
-
-
Fox News. Headquarters: New York, New York
Year Founded: 2019
2022 Annual Revenue: $13.831 billion
Established after the separation of 21st Century Fox, Fox Corporation retained key assets focused on news and sports, including:
-
Fox Broadcasting Company
-
Fox Television Stations
-
Fox News Media
-
Fox Sports Media Group
-
Tuning Streaming Service
Despite its recent inception, Fox Corporation remains a significant player in the media landscape, with growth expectations on the rise.
-
-
Hearst. Headquarters: New York, New York
Year Founded: 1887
2022 Annual Revenue: $11.5 billion
Hearst Corporation primarily owns newspapers and magazines, maintaining relevance in an increasingly visual media landscape. Despite the challenges, print media continues to serve millions seeking information.
Hearst controls 360 companies, including notable brands such as:
-
Cosmopolitan
-
ELLE
-
Esquire
-
Good Housekeeping
-
O, The Oprah Magazine
-
San Francisco Chronicle
-
The News-Times
-
Midland Daily News
Additionally, Hearst is a co-owner of A+E Networks in partnership with The Walt Disney Company.
-
-
News Corp. Headquarters: New York, New York
Year Founded: 2013
2022 Annual Revenue: $10.39 billion
News Corp emerged from the original News Corporation founded in 1980, under the ownership of Rupert Murdoch. This modern iteration focuses on news production, television, and book publishing.
News Corp also has a stake in the digital real estate market through its ownership of REA Group and Realtor.com.
Media Conglomerate FAQ
-
Who are the US Big 6 media companies?
The Big 6 media companies in the U.S. are:
-
Comcast
-
AT&T
-
Disney
-
Paramount Global
-
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
-
Fox News
These companies dominate the American and global media landscape in terms of revenue and content production.
-
-
What is a media conglomerate?
A media conglomerate is a parent company that owns multiple media entities. This includes film, television, news, print, and web entertainment, typically structured as a corporation with public investments.
-
What is the largest media conglomerate?
Comcast is the largest media conglomerate. With a revenue of $121.4 billion in 2022, Comcast leads the industry, followed closely by AT&T with $120.741 billion in revenue.
Author
Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.
