Configuración del poder global en la era digital. Actualización del panorama de los conglomerados mundiales de la comunicación

Abstract

Based on a review of the last few decades, the evolution of communication groups in the global context is analysed. The aim is to understand who the main power players are today and how this situation has come about. To this end, an analysis is made of the different stages that the global power of communication has gone through since the New World Order determined by the signing of the Bretton Woods Agreements at the end of the Second World War. The liberalisation processes of the 1980s, the massive mergers of the 1990s and the crises since the beginning of the 21st century are dealt with. In this last stage, the introduction of new players will be observed, with the arrival of the major technology companies that have come to occupy the top positions in the world ranking over the last two decades. The hegemony of the United States in the media sphere can be seen, as it is the headquarters of the main groups that dominate the market, and the entry of companies from China can be observed, as well as the scarce presence of European groups. It is also possible to observe the diversity of businesses competing in the field of communication, especially technology, e-commerce and other sectors linked to the internet environment.