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Theatre, motion pictures,
and music-in addition to other forms of publishing such as book publishing-have
come to be included in this broad category, as well. In more recent
years, cable television joined the category. And these days the media
definitely includes online resources including the World Wide Web.
Media management
incorporates the study of the history of how media came to become an important
influence within and on our society and how it developed and evolved. It
could also include topics like freedom of speech, the power of influence, and
even censorship. All of these things affect careers in media management
today.
A course of study
specifically designed for a degree in media management today is also likely to
explore specific issues in the industry and/or entrepreneurial options for
people who want to start their own media-based business. Many existing
businesses-though not specifically focused on the media as their main
business-also require knowledgeable people who can manage their use of media
for advertising, promotion, image building, and increasing their market share
so that they can use this as a tool to improve and grow their businesses.
As a result, people with a media management degree will be valued in many
different occupations and industries.
Learning about and
managing a successful media-related business-or the media aspects of any other
business-is both a science and an art. At first glance, film and the
motion picture industry, theatre, music, and book and magazine publishing may
appear to be exclusively focused on entertainment. And while
entertainment is certainly a key aspect, these endeavors must also incorporate
smart business practices if they are to succeed. The study of media
management will include all of the above.
Study for a degree in
media management then will include courses on the history of the film industry
and its social, political, technological, and economic influences.
However, it will also incorporate classes related to creating a business plan,
the selection of a legal entity for your business, laws and compliance issues,
financial practices and bookkeeping, accounting, marketing, production,
distribution, public relations, sales, promotion, fund raising, and many other
relevant topics, as well.
Regardless of whether you are planning to manage
a theatre troupe, produce a motion picture or documentary, start a cable
television station, write and self-publish a book, produce and publish a
magazine, or start a booming online business on the Internet, the concepts and
principles studied and learned in media management courses will serve you
well. Learning how the current industry has evolved can teach you a great
deal and prevent you from wasting time and energy trying to "reinvent the
wheel" so to speak. It is also important as evolving technologies
and new media are continually being developed and growing in new and
interesting directions to get educated in these areas. All of this
background will help you in a traditional type media management career or a
cutting edge, "new media" media management career |