There was less competition for audiences and advertisers. Regulators imposed many different guidelines, including those which prevented multiple ownership of stations within the same market, as well as cross-ownership between broadcasters, networks, cable operators and telephone companies. The potential of new communication technologies such as fiber optics, digital broadcasting and direct broadcast satellites were not really understood. Electronic mail, fax machines and the Internet had little meaning to electronic media managers. Today's media managers function in a much different environment.
Competition is more intense.
Technology has created convergence among media industries, blending computers, programming and distribution systems together. Mergers and acquisitions have changed the makeup of key players operating networks, station groups and cable companies. The elimination of regulatory barriers, the growth of strategic alliances among media companies, and a global marketplace for entertainment and information, add to the changing management environment. Management has always been concerned with managing individual employees, yet even in this area many aspects of management have also changed. While managers still engage in the basic functions of coordinating and motivating employees, the composition of the workforce has undergone significant change.