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Distribution of Media and Information

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Abstract

The chapter covers distribution networks, the major trends in electronic distribution, and the economic characteristics and implications. The author identifies the various “architectures” of distribution networks and also reviews the analytic tools for distribution management created by different disciplines, from sociology to regional planning, electrical engineering, statistics, and operations research. This leads to tools of network management, supply chain logistics, and inventory control. The author reviews wholesale distribution and its trends in a number of major media industries, such as film, books, and consumer electronics. A similar review of retail distribution follows. The business models for online media retail are discussed. A final question is the impact of distribution on content. The case study centers on the role of distribution in the future of the major German media company, Bertelsmann.

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Notes

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    Eli M. Noam

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Appendices

Revenue shares are net of payments to the upstream stages that are listed. Profits listed are those of the central stage, usually the distributors. For the other stages there are outlays to other suppliers such as landlords and raw materials, etc. Calculations are based on the sources listed, plus experts’ feedback, and estimated, in order to create a cross-industry consistence of presentation.

Appendix: Revenue Shares (◘ Tables 12.8 and 12.9)

Revenue shares are net of payments to the upstream stages that are listed. Profits listed are those of the central stage, usually the distributors. For the other stages there are outlays to other suppliers such as landlords and raw materials, etc. Calculations are based on the sources listed, plus experts’ feedback, and estimated, in order to create a cross-industry consistence of presentation.

Table 12.8 Revenue shares
Full size table
Table 12.9 Revenue shares by media segment (all types of distribution of content medium)
Full size table

Quiz Answers

  1. 1.

    D

  2. 2.

    B

  3. 3.

    B

  4. 4.

    D

  5. 5.

    C

  6. 6.

    A

  7. 7.

    D

  8. 8.

    C

  9. 9.

    D

  10. 10.

    C

  11. 11.

    D

  12. 12.

    D

  13. 13.

    A

  14. 14.

    A

  15. 15.

    A

  16. 16.

    D

  17. 17.

    B

  18. 18.

    B

  19. 19.

    C

  20. 20.

    B

  21. 21.

    C

  22. 22.

    D

  23. 23.

    A

  24. 24.

    D

  25. 25.

    C

  26. 26.

    C

  27. 27.

    D

  28. 28.

    B

  29. 29.

    B

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Noam, E.M. (2019). Distribution of Media and Information. In: Managing Media and Digital Organizations. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71288-8_12

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