Question: Evaluate the usefulness of Hesmondhalgh for analysing Long Form TV Drama.
Step 1: Correctly characterise Hesmondhalghs theory (as defined by OCR).
Take 15 mins and post in the comments section below.
Step 2: Write your paragraph about different forms of integration - Vertical/Horizontal/Multi-sector and post below.
Step 3: Give/Get advice about how to improve your paragraph. Post advice as a reply to the first paragraph.
Step 4: Rewrite based on the advice and then reply to the advice below your first paragraph.
Step 5: Write a paragraph about risk mitigation - You may wish to include...
Genre: Both shows use tried and tested genres.
D83 - Espionage Thriller - Homeland and The Americans were both popular in the U.S. subverting the genre by challenging the conventional hero narrative. Does Hesmondhalgh allows us to analyse the subversion of genre?
Stranger Things - Sci Fi, Horror, Teen Drama, Adventure - The wide range of genre types captures a wide audience. Also, Netflix use of granular digital surveillance would allow them to identify popular genres. This may have influenced their choice to commission a genre hybrid show of this nature. Does Hesmondhalgh provide insight into why such a show might be so popular?
Write your paragraph and post beneath your previous paragraphs. Try to use the advice to get it right first time.
Hesmondhalgh's theory suggests that cultural industries are shaped by commercial forces, with large media companies controlling the production and distribution of content. He highlights that these industries aim to minimise risk, risk aversion, and maximise profit through strategies like horizontal, vertical and multi-sector integration. This often involves the use of familiar genres, serialisation, and symbol creators to maintain audience interest and excite engagement.
ReplyDeleteHesmondhalgh's theory states that media products are created with the aim of minimising financial risks and maximising profits through strategies such as horizontal, vertical and multi-sector integrations, the use of established genres, the involvement of famous stars, and the analysis of audience data. The cultural industry is dominated by large conglomerates that develop content aimed at a broad audience.
ReplyDeleteHesmondhalgh’s cultural industries theory examines how media production follows capitalist patterns of concentration and integration, where conglomerates vertically integrate to mitigate risks associated with high production costs and unpredictable success. It highlights the tension between granting creative freedom to symbol makers and prioritising profit, often leading to reliance on repetition through stars, genres, and franchises to ensure financial viability. In the digital era, companies like Netflix leverage granular surveillance of audience data to inform commissioning and funding decisions, reducing uncertainty in long-form TV drama development.
ReplyDeleteHesmondhalgh’s theory states that cultural industries follow the normal capitalist pattern of increasing concentration and risk averting through horizontal, vertical, and multi-sector integration. The owners of the production employ symbol creators, whose job is to create and excite audience engagement. They need artistic freedom in order to achieve this, however it is risky due to the difficulty in predicting success. The industries rely on the use of genres, celebrities and analysis of audience data to meet the aim of mitigating risk and maximising profits, or to cover the cost of failure. Technological advancements has sped up work, commercialised leisure time and increased surveillance by government and companies. Scarcity is also introduced by governments and industries, alongside repetition to keep selling their product.
ReplyDeleteApplying Hesmondhalgh to the analysis of Long Form TV Drama allows us to understand the significance of different types of integration. Vertical integration is a significant factor in the production and distribution of LFTVDs. D83, was produced for distribution by RTL via both terrestrial TV channels and its streaming service. Many broadcast channels have adopted streaming as another way to reach a wider audience. However, Netflix is somewhat unique; it began as a distributor and moved into production as it became more successful. Stranger Things is one of its flagship programmes, cementing its position as a powerhouse in both production and distribution and conforming to Hesmondhalgh’s theory about power moving into fewer and fewer hands.
ReplyDeleteWe can also use Hesmondhalgh’s theory to examine Horizontal integration. There is little horizontal integration involved in the production of Stranger Things, though we could point to the ‘partnership’ between Netflix and Monkey Massacre Productions (owned by The Duffer Brothers). Netflix mitigate risk by employing reliable and trusted symbol creators to produce their show, reinforcing Hesmondhalgh’s theory. However, D83, provides a more interesting example, with funding for the show coming jointly from AMC’s Sundance TV and Germany’s RTL. The show garnered both critical and financial success with its US audience, but its reception with German audiences was ‘frosty’. This is likely because German audiences rejected the depiction of the East German secret service in a positive light. Here we see a weakness in Hesmondgalgh’s theory as we need a theorist like Hall to examine the way that social and historical context may lead to an oppositional reading of the text and impact its financial success.
1: Define vertical and horizontal integration.
Delete2: Good on 2. Clearly answering the question.
3: Good on 3. Specific and detailed answers, maybe add in accurate numbers.
4: Good on 4. All answers are analysed.
5: Clear evaluation, referencing other theorists to offer positive and negative.
I am concerned that this is too long. Try to get it down to 200 words.
SHORTER: 205 Words
DeleteDefines integration models.
Applying Hesmondhalgh’s theory to LFTVDs highlights the importance of integration in media industries. Vertical integration (when a company controls production, distribution, and exhibition) is key to understanding how LFTVDs reach audiences. D83, was produced for RTL and distributed via both terrestrial and streaming channels, demonstrating how many broadcasters use digital technology to maximise reach. Stranger Things provides a stronger example: originally a distributor, Netflix now produces original content. Stranger Things is one of its flagship titles, showing how Netflix consolidates power across production and distribution, aligning with Hesmondhalgh’s claim that media ownership is concentrated in fewer hands. Horizontal integration (when companies collaborate or merge across sectors) is less evident in Stranger Things, though Netflix’s partnership with the Monkey Massacre Productions (owned by the Duffer brothers) demonstrates risk mitigation by relying on trusted symbol creators. D83 illustrates horizontal integration more clearly, being co-funded by AMC’s Sundance TV and RTL mitigating risk across horizontally integrated companies. The show succeeded critically and financially in the US but was poorly received in Germany, likely due to cultural discomfort with its sympathetic portrayal of the East German secret service. Here, Hesmondhalgh’s model is limited; Stuart Hall’s theory of audience reception better explains this oppositional reading and its impact on financial outcomes.
Deutschland83 is a German drama series that premiered in 2015, focused on a young East German soldier who is sent to the West as an undercover spy. The show blends historical elements with Cold War espionage, and it gained international attention due to its unique setting and narrative. The drama series used horizontal integration from Hesmondhalgh’s cultural industries theory as the show was a product of both German and International collaboration: German broadcaster RTL and international distribution partners like SundanceTV in the US and Channel 4 in the UK. This allowed the show to reach a wider global audience and access different markets (risk aversion). Additionally, partnering with larger international networks benefited Deutschland83 from cross-promotions that helped it tap into broader, more diverse audiences. For example, SundanceTV played a crucial role in promoting the show in the US, bringing it attention beyond German speaking audiences. Vertical integration is also prominent as RTL has significant control over its production, allowing them to distribute the show domestically. Additionally, the series had distribution rights tied to their international partners, enabling seamless control over its global reach. Furthermore, the series benefitted from cross media synergies by being apart of RTL. Integrating Deutschland83 into a broader media strategy is possible as RTL could use its other channels and platforms to distribute the drama series.
ReplyDeletethis is a really detailed paragraph on how Hesmondalghs theory can be used in Deutschland 83, I like how you have used specific information to show the horizontal and vertical integration. to improve, you could include a sentence defining the theory at the start and try to include stranger things.
DeleteHesmondhalgh’s cultural industries theory includes vertical (a company can produce, distribute and exhibit its own content), horizontal (a company expanding by buying or merging with another company e.g. Disney owning Pixar and Marvel) and multi-sector integration (a company operating across different sectors of the media industry) which can be applied to Deutschland83 and Stranger Things. Deutschland83 blends historical elements with Cold War espionage, and it gained international attention due to its unique setting and narrative. The drama series used horizontal integration from Hesmondhalgh’s cultural industries theory as the show was a product of both German and International collaboration: German broadcaster RTL and international distribution partners like SundanceTV in the US and Channel 4 in the UK. This allowed the show to reach a wider global audience and access different markets (risk aversion). Vertical integration is also prominent as RTL has significant control over its production, allowing them to distribute the show domestically. Additionally, the series had distribution rights tied to their international partners, enabling seamless control over its global reach. Using multi-sector integration allowed Deutschland83 to maximise their revenue by linking TV, streaming, music and physical sales: first German show to stream on Hulu which tapped into the growing streaming market, it was released physically and digitally (entering home entertainment sector) and the heavy use of 80s music which became apart of the shows brand identity.
DeleteHesmondhalgh’s theory explains how media companies control different parts of the industry to minimise financial risk and maximise profits. He talks about three types of integration: vertical when one company controls production and distribution, horizontal when companies work across different media or countries through merging, and multi-sector when companies are involved in many areas like making shows, selling merchandise, and streaming. This idea helps us understand Long Form TV dramas like Deutschland 83 and Stranger Things. Deutschland 83 shows vertical integration because it was made and shown mainly within German TV companies, controlling the creation and broadcast. It also shows horizontal integration since it involved cooperation between European countries to reach a wider audience. On the other hand, Stranger Things uses multi-sector integration through Netflix, which produces, streams, markets, and sells related products worldwide. Hesmondhalgh’s theory helps explain how these different ways of working shape the success and global reach of TV dramas.
ReplyDeleteShows a good understanding of Hesmondaghls theory and of the different forms of integration. kept to a short and brief format, clear and concise. Could have used more examples of integration by featuring companies such as RTL and sundance TV. Overall: 7/10
DeleteHesmondhalgh recognises that cultural industries use integration to mitigate risk. He would argue that Netflix uses Horizontal and Vertical Integration by merging Monkey Massacre Productions with Netflix to produce Stranger Things. This begins a distribution network where the risk that the audience won’t enjoy the production is shared between the companies to prevent the loss revenue. Deutschland83 partners with Sundance TV and RTL to further develop Hesmondhalgh’s idea that horizontal and vertical integration distributes risk. Germany's audience didn't resonate with Deutschland83 meanwhile America's audience did, suggesting how the risk was shared and mitigated and the production prevented the loss of revenue. Hesmondhalgh suggests that cultural industries use multi-sector integration where companies partner with other cooperations to promote the spread of their production. Both Long Form Dramas have produced books, while Stranger Things further goes on to produce comics, and partner with Burger King, Nike and Snapchat Bitmoji. Hesmondhalgh would state that this is an example of copromotional marketing where businesses expand their creations to multiple media platforms.
ReplyDelete1. understanding of theory but could define vertical and horizontal integration. 1/2
Delete2. clearly answers question 1/2
3. clear and thorough use of examples 2/2
4. analyse the significance of each example 2/2
5. evaluate theory 1/2
there are moments where you didn't analyse some places, but after examples you did. try and define key terms after saying them. you say risk was shared but why and how was it shared?
Deletego into further detail. i think it is still a good paragraph though well done amedia
make clearer
Deletedifferentiate between h and v
evaluation
Hesmondhalgh’s theory effectively highlights the importance of integration in the media industry. Vertical integration occurs when a single company owns and controls multiple stages of the value chain, such as the production, distribution to retailers, and its exhibition and sale to the audience. Deutschland83 partners with RLT and Sundance TV, and American broadcasting channel to increase viewership across digital services in multiple countries. Meanwhile, Stranger Things’ idea was created by the Duffer Brothers but the distribution is owned by Netflix, demonstrating how the ‘original owners’ have considered increasing views via digital technology on large streaming services. This effectively portrays Hesmondhalgh’s idea that control over the production process can allow shows to reach larger audiences. Horizontal integration is when companies collaborate or merge across sectors to allow risk mitigation. Netflix’s Stranger Things, as mentioned, is owned by the Duffer Brothers. They have a production company named Monkey Massacre Productions, whom partnered with Netflix to spread the show, demonstrating how risk is mitigated through merging companies. Deutschland83 is cofunded by SundanceTV and RTL to distribute risk across platforms. The show was successful for American viewers however did not receive high ratings from Germany itself, potentially due to audience dissatisfactory with the portrayal of Germany’s secret service during the 80’s. This suggests how risk is mitigated effectively through horizontal integration. However, Hesomndhalgh’s theory isn’t as affective in this sense as this idea is better suggested through Hall’s audience reception theory, where readings are chosen by the audience which benefit the cultural industries outcome financially.
DeleteHesmondhalgh describes integration in cultural industries as the process where by companies control multiple stages of production, distribution, and marketing to reduce risk and maximise profit. This includes vertical integration, horizontal integration and multi-sector integration.
ReplyDeleteStranger things shows vertical integration through Netflix. Netflix produces, distributes and exhibits the show throughout its platform. The brand demonstrates multi-sector integration as the brand extends into games, books and merchandise which maximises revenue streams. Stranger things uses horizontal integration through partnerships with other companies within the same stage of the media or entertainment industry. For example Netflix have partnered with Epic games to bring in game content of Stranger Things to Fortnite.
Deutshland 83 reflects horizontal integration. The series was co-produced by German RTL, and US SundanceTV. The collaboration mitigates financial risk and increases the global reach. This means that it lacks vertical integration because both production and distribution are split.
1. maybe describe each type of integration if word count allows
Delete2. good example for stranger things and deutshland 83
3. good understanding of hesmandolphs theory
4. clear evaluation referencing the theory
In Deutschland 83, vertical integration is evident through RTL Group's control over production, distribution and broadcasting which allows for greater control and risk management. Horizontal integration is seen in its collaboration with international networks such as Sundance TV and streaming platforms like Hulu, expanding its reach across different media outlets. Multisector integration is present in the show's alignment with multiple industries, such as TV networks, streaming services, and film production, broadening its revenue potential and appeal.
ReplyDeleteIn Stranger Things, vertical integration is exemplified by Netflix's control over both production (via 21 Laps Entertainment) and distribution, ensuring a streamlined approach to content creation and audience reach. Horizontal integration is seen in Netflix’s expansive library and global reach, spreading the series across various international markets. Multisector integration emerges in Netflix's partnerships with merchandise, gaming, and other entertainment sectors, creating an environment that extends the show's influence and profit.
Good understanding of vertical and horizontal integration. Talk about Hesmondhalgh when talking about his theory. When talking about partnerships/collaborations, name them as an example. Define v/h integration? explain how risk was mitigated.
DeleteHesmondhalgh states in his theory that companies often merge and enter comparable genres of media to maximise profit and success, something clearly seen in both Deutschland 83 and Stranger things. In Deutschland 83, vertical integration is evident through RTL Group's control over production, distribution and broadcasting which allows for greater control and risk management. Horizontal integration is seen in its collaboration with international networks such as Sundance TV and streaming platforms like Hulu, expanding its reach across different media outlets. Multisector integration is present in the show's alignment with multiple industries, such as TV networks, streaming services, and film production, broadening its revenue potential and appeal.
DeleteIn Stranger Things, vertical integration is exemplified by Netflix's control over both production (via 21 Laps Entertainment) and distribution, ensuring a streamlined approach to content creation and audience reach. Horizontal integration is seen in Netflix’s expansive library and global reach, spreading the series across various international markets. Multisector integration emerges in Netflix's partnerships with merchandise (H&M), gaming (XBOX), and other entertainment sectors, creating an environment that extends the show's influence and profit.
Hesmondhalgh describes integration as a crucial process that enables companies to optimize their operations, expand their product range, and increase profitability across various industries.
ReplyDeleteAs cultural industries follow the typical capitalist pattern of increasing concentration and integration, companies like Netflix not only aim to control all stages of product creation but also seek to grow their audience by promoting products through advertising and integrating them into everyday digital platforms, such as messaging apps. Hesmondhalgh also notes that large studios rely on the success of celebrities, popular genres, and franchise continuations.
These strategies allow companies to streamline their operations and reduce financial risks associated with unpredictable audience preferences. However, this approach heightens competition in the market.
Use more examples of D83 and ST
DeleteCategorise the theory of vertical and horizontal integration
DeleteUpdated version:
DeleteHesmondhalgh's theory of cultural industries emphasises how media production minimises financial risks and maximises profits through vertical integration, where a company controls production, distribution and exhibition (Netflix producing and streaming the series Stranger Things) and horizontal integration, where companies collaborate or merge across sectors (Disney acquiring Marvel). Conglomerates such as Netflix use established genres, recognisable stars and audience data analytics to create content that appeals to a global audience, while character creators and artists with limited creative freedom balance commerce and creativity. In the case of feature-length television dramas, the series Stranger Things is an example of vertical integration, as Netflix produces and distributes its nostalgic science fiction series starring stars such as Winona Ryder to ensure broad appeal, using data to tailor content. The series Deutschland 83, co-financed by RTL and AMC's Sundance TV, demonstrates horizontal integration by reducing risk through the distribution of production between broadcasters and the use of the spy thriller and historical drama genres to achieve international reach. However, its poor reception in Germany, likely due to cultural and historical particularities, shows that Hesmondhalgh's economic approach ignores audience perception, which is better explained by Stuart Hall's theory. Digital platforms reinforce the control of conglomerates, strengthening commercial dominance over diversity, as evidenced by the global availability of both programmes for streaming.
Joe
ReplyDeleteHesmondhalgh describes integrations as a way for companies to organise their products and processes to make them as profitable as possible. Horizontal integration is many companies collaborating to create one product. For example, Netflix collaborated with Monkey Massacre Productions (The Duffer Brothers) to create Stranger Things. They also used 21Laps Entertainment who wrote and produced a few episodes of the show. In Deutschland 83, both SundanceTV (USA) and RTL (Germany) worked together on the show. Vertical integration is used to show the control of the entire supply chain of a production. As seen in the distribution of Deutschland 83, RTL released the show on their own streaming service RTLNOW and on their broadcasted TV channels. Stranger Things, as it was created by Netflix was released on their streaming service which allowed it to gather all the revenue from the release of ST. Mult sector integration pairs the original released media with other industries. For example, Netflix made many brand deals with other companies following the release of Stranger Things, such as board games, comic books and a musical. Deutschland 83 also has books based on the series, however they have less collaborations because of reduced audience engagement.
I liked the pagarph, though i think that you should make more point about stars, genresa and prequels and sequels. However that can be anotther paragraph.
DeleteThis shows that, this implies that (more analysis)
DeleteWe can apply Hesmondalghs theories to both Deutschland 83 and stranger things as they both make use of horizontal, vertical and multi-sector integration to expand their audience. Deutschland 83, demonstrates vertical integration through its distribution, originally airing on RTL in Germany, and then picked up by Sundance TV in the USA, showing how production and distribution channels are able to work together to expand their audience, which we can see, due to the successful airing in the USA. However, the airing in Germany was unsuccessful which could be explained by the representation of East Germany as positive. Horizontal integration in Deutschland 83 is evident in the way it was sold globally in order to expand market presence across different countries, which resulted in becoming one of the most successful German language series of all time, premiering in the US (Sundance TV) and UK (channel 4).
ReplyDeleteSimilarly, Stranger things benefits from strong vertical integration, since Netflix both produces and distributes the series on its own platform, it maintains control of the value chain. Horizontal integration is also clear in Netflix’s global release strategy. Furthermore, Multi-sector integration is especially prominent in Stranger things with merchandise, video games and partnerships with brands.
This paragraph correctly characterises the theory by addressing horizontal, vertical and multi-sector integration whilst clearly answering the question. There is thorough use of examples of both LFTVD and how they use integration. Definitions of horizontal, vertical and multi-sector integration could be added for more detail.
DeleteWe can apply Hesmondalghs theories to both Deutschland 83 and stranger things as they both make use of vertical, horizontal and multi-sector integration to expand their audience. Vertical integration is when a media company controls the production, distribution and sometimes the exhibition of its products, giving it greater control and profit. Deutschland 83, demonstrates vertical integration through its distribution, originally airing on RTL in Germany, and then picked up by Sundance TV in the USA, showing how production and distribution channels are able to work together to expand their audience, which we can see, due to the successful airing in the USA. However, the airing in Germany was unsuccessful which could be explained by the representation of East Germany as positive. Horizontal integration is when media companies buy into and operate across a range of media industries in order to increase their power. Horizontal integration in Deutschland 83 is evident in the way it was sold globally in order to expand market presence across different countries, which resulted in becoming one of the most successful German language series of all time, premiering in the US (Sundance TV) and UK (channel 4).
DeleteSimilarly, Stranger things benefits from strong vertical integration, since Netflix both produces and distributes the series on its own platform, it maintains control of the value chain. Horizontal integration is also clear in Netflix’s global release strategy. Furthermore, Multi-sector integration is especially prominent in Stranger things, this is when media companies expand and operate across range of cultural industries to maximise profit, spread risk and create cross promotional opportunities. Netflix does this to advertise Stranger Things through merchandise, video games and partnerships with brands.
Integration is an expansion strategy adopted by a company with the intention to merge or takeover other companies. Hesmondhalgh's theory shows us that Netflix used Horizontal integration (the merging of two businesses in different stages of production) and merged with Monkey Massacre Productions in order to produce Stranger Things. The merging enabled more avaliable capital to spend on the show, and mitigated risk by reducing competition, and pressure of revenue loss. We can also see Vertical integration (merging of two companies at different stages of production) With Deutschland83 as they merged with RTL and Sundance TV which were both streaming services, allowing them to distribute their show globally. This mitigated risk because with global distribution, the customer base gets expanded and gave greater control over the supply chain which enabled the company to gain the revenues from all the production processes rather than just one. Multi-sector integration (the collaboration of different companies in different sectors) is also seen in Stranger things as there was merchandise, comics, collaborations with Snapchat and Burger King in order to promote the show. This also expanded the customer base, which mitigated risk by diversifying revenue streams.
ReplyDelete- asya
Delete1. 1/2 Theory is characterised, however, not directly referred to. Eg, more "Hesmondhalgh's theory states that..."
Delete2. 1/2 indirectly evaluating how the theory is useful but not stated.
3. 2/2 Good examples
4. 2/2
5. 1/2 indirectly evaluated the theory's usefulness but not specifically stated.
hesmondhalgh’s theory in monkey terms
ReplyDeleteImagine a jungle where a few big, strong monkeys (like giant gorillas) control all the best banana trees. These trees are like the music, movies, and TV shows people love. These big monkeys don’t just own one tree—they grab lots of trees (like music companies, movie studios, and TV channels) to make sure they control everything. This is called concentration and integration. They team up to make sure they’re the bosses of all the bananas.
Now, making bananas (like making movies or songs) is super risky! It costs a ton of effort to grow a banana tree, but once you have one ripe banana, you can make copies of it really cheaply. Plus, bananas are special because when someone eats one, it doesn’t disappear—they can share it or make more (like how you can watch a movie over and over). Because it’s so hard to guess which bananas will be popular, the big monkeys need a few super popular bananas (big hits like blockbuster movies or chart-topping songs) to make up for all the bananas nobody wants.
To make sure they get those hits, the big monkeys use tricks like:
• Stars: Using famous monkeys everyone loves.
• Genres: Making the same kind of bananas (like action movies or pop songs) that people already like.
• Franchises: Creating sequels, like “Banana Story 2, 3, and 4.”
• Repeatable stories: Telling similar stories so people know what to expect.
To keep their bananas valuable, the big monkeys (and their friends, the jungle rulers) make rules called copyright laws. These rules say, “Only we can share these bananas, so they stay special and expensive!”
Now, along comes the internet, which is like a new tool in the jungle. You’d think it would let all monkeys share bananas freely, but nope! Instead, new giant monkeys (like big tech companies) show up and start controlling the jungle, too. The internet makes work faster (monkeys have to hustle more), turns fun time into work time (like scrolling social media for ads), and lets the big monkeys and jungle rulers watch everyone more closely (like spying on what bananas you like).
So, instead of making the jungle freer, the internet just gave more power to a few big monkeys, and the little monkeys still have to play by their rules.
Hesmondhalgh's theory states that cultural industries follow the normal capitalist pattern of increasing concentration and integration.
ReplyDeleteIntegration is an expansion strategy adopted by a company with the intention to merge or takeover other companies. Hesmondhalgh's theory shows us that Netflix used Horizontal integration (the merging of two businesses in different stages of production) and merged with Monkey Massacre Productions in order to produce Stranger Things. The merging enabled more avaliable capital to spend on the show, and mitigated risk by reducing competition, and pressure of revenue loss. This is done to ensure that there is success within the show and it is engaging enough for the audience to want to keep on consuming ir, or to share it on with others. We can also see Vertical integration (merging of two companies at different stages of production) With Deutschland83 as they merged with RTL and Sundance TV which were both streaming services, allowing them to distribute their show globally. This mitigated risk because with global distribution, the customer base gets expanded and gave greater control over the supply chain which enabled the company to gain the revenues from all the production processes rather than just one. Multi-sector integration (the collaboration of different companies in different sectors) is also seen in Stranger things as there was merchandise, comics, collaborations with Snapchat and Burger King in order to promote the show. This also expanded the customer base, which mitigated risk by diversifying revenue streams. Therefore, Hesmondhalgh's theory is useful in understanding how integration can mitigate risk, however it doesn't help us understand how audiences consume the media, which could be useful in further catering the show to the audience to get more streams, therefore more profit for the company.
Hesmondhalgh’s theory highlights how media industries use various integration strategies to increase profits and reduce risks. Vertical integration, where a company oversees production and distribution is very important for the success of Long-Form Television Dramas (LFTVDs). For example, Netflix fully controls Stranger Things by producing and distributing it on its platform, keeping all revenue and audience insights. Similarly, RTL uses vertical integration for Deutschland 83, distributing it on its channels and streaming it with RTLNOW. Horizontal integration involves partnerships between companies at the same production stage. Netflix collaborated with Monkey Massacre Productions and 21 Laps Entertainment for Stranger Things, sharing creative risks while maintaining authority. Similarly, RTL and SundanceTV co-produced Deutschland 83, distributing financial risks across global markets to be risk adverse. Multi-sector integration extends beyond television, linking media with other industries to enhance brand value and revenue. Stranger Things developed merchandise with other brands producing things like board games or being in brand deals of already existing products, while Deutschland 83 generated novels. These integration strategies demonstrate how media companies can stay risk adverse and have dominion on global entertainment through concentrated ownership.
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