big media: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Advanced. Common in political, sociological, and media criticism discourse.Formal, journalistic, academic, political.
Quick answer
What does “big media” mean?
A collective term for large, mainstream media organizations with significant influence, reach, and corporate ownership, often contrasted with independent or alternative media.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A collective term for large, mainstream media organizations with significant influence, reach, and corporate ownership, often contrasted with independent or alternative media.
Refers to the major players in the media industry (e.g., television networks, major newspapers, mass-market magazines, large online platforms) that have the power to shape public discourse and political opinion on a national or global scale. Often carries connotations of concentrated power, corporatization, and sometimes a perceived distance from ordinary people or grassroots concerns.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, though the specific corporations referenced differ (e.g., BBC vs. Fox News). The term 'mainstream media' (MSM) is a more common synonym, especially in US political discourse.
Connotations
In both varieties, it often carries negative or skeptical connotations associated with corporate influence, political bias, and a perceived establishment agenda. In the UK, it may be used more in academic/media studies contexts; in the US, it is highly politicized.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in political commentary from both the left (criticizing corporate control) and the right (criticizing perceived liberal bias).
Grammar
How to Use “big media” in a Sentence
[Subject] is often ignored/criticized by big media.Big media [verb: focuses on/promotes/ignores] [object].The influence/power of big media [verb: is growing/is concerning].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “big media” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He has a big-media mindset.
- It was a classic big-media scandal.
American English
- She landed a big-media job in New York.
- They faced big-media opposition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in discussions of media mergers, market dominance, and advertising reach.
Academic
Common in media studies, political science, and sociology to discuss theories of media influence and political economy.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Used by politically engaged individuals discussing news bias.
Technical
Used in media law and policy discussions about ownership rules and antitrust regulation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “big media”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “big media”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “big media”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'big medias' – incorrect). Using it in a positive context is rare and can sound odd. Confusing it with 'social media', which is different.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, and often used interchangeably. 'Big media' more strongly emphasizes corporate size and ownership, while 'mainstream media' (MSM) emphasizes conventionality and dominant narrative.
Yes, but be aware it is a loaded term. In academic writing, 'corporate media' or 'major media conglomerates' might be more precise and neutral.
Yes, in terms of its size, reach, and influence. However, as a publicly funded broadcaster, it is sometimes discussed separately from commercially-owned 'big media' corporations.
Terms like 'independent media', 'alternative media', or 'local media' are common opposites, emphasizing smaller scale, non-corporate ownership, or dissenting voices.
A collective term for large, mainstream media organizations with significant influence, reach, and corporate ownership, often contrasted with independent or alternative media.
Big media: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈmiːdiə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈmiːdiə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The big media machine”
- “Big media narrative”
- “To take on big media”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'big' as in 'Big Business' or 'Big Oil' – it signifies large-scale, powerful, and sometimes impersonal corporate entities applied to the media sector.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDIA IS A MACHINE/INDUSTRY (e.g., 'the media machine'), MEDIA IS A MONOLITH (e.g., 'big media speaks with one voice'), CORPORATIONS ARE PEOPLE (e.g., 'big media wants...').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a characteristic associated with 'big media'?