De-convergence: A Shifting Business Trend in the U.S. Digital Media Industries

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Since the early 21st century, several media companies, including
Time-Warner, Viacom, Walt Disney, and Vivendi, have utilized deconvergence
as a new business model. The emergence of de-convergence
in the communication industry has raised a fundamental question, that being
whether de-convergence will become one of the major business models
in changing the ownership structure and system. This paper investigates
this shifting trend and applies it in relation to digital media, including Internet,
mobile, cable, and television. It analyzes why and how communication
giants in Western countries, particularly the U.S. broadcasting industries,
have pursued de-convergence in recent years. The paper first examines
the background and practice of convergence between the early 1990s
and 2007. Then, it maps out how media companies have pursued de-convergence through split-off and spin-off strategies as their new business
model. Finally, the paper articulates whether the de-convergence trend has
consequently contributed to the enhancement of the policy goals of competition, diversity, and promotion of democratic discourse that are embedded in antitrust laws and regulations relevant to mass media.

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