In 1983, 50 companies controlled 90% of the U.S. media market. That number is now down to 5.

Multiple independent sources agree that media ownership in the U.S. Has become significantly more concentrated since the early 1980s. The figure of approximately 50 companies controlling 90% of the media market in 1983 is consistently cited across various platforms, including educational sites and community discussions.

By the early 2010s, this number had shrunk dramatically to around six major corporations controlling a comparable share of the market. Some sources specify five companies, noting corporate mergers and splits (e.g., CBS and Viacom), while others mention six.

The slight variation in the current number (five vs. Six) reflects changes in corporate structures and definitions of media ownership. Additionally, some clarifications note that these corporations control about 90% of for-profit media outlets, with the remaining share held by nonprofit or public broadcasters like PBS and NPR. Overall, the trend toward consolidation is well documented, but exact figures can differ depending on the source and year referenced.