Could Big-Media Control The Internet?

Big media companies control radio and TV. Could they also control the internet? Some critics warn that they could. “The Internet could become like cable television, a pay-as-you-go service with price tags for premium channels, Cooper says. The content and service provider would favor its own content and shut out nonprofit groups and start-up sites. For example, an ISP/content provider’s search engine would display its own products first–or exclusively. Media companies clearly have their eyes on “convergence,” blending distribution across print, broadcast, and digital devices. Critics fear this means big media will silence smaller players online as well.”