We see company names all the time, but what do these big players actually do? It’s easy to get caught up in the daily news cycle, but sometimes it’s worth taking a step back to see how certain companies shape our world. This article looks at six companies that have a big impact, even if they aren’t always front-page news. We’ll go beyond the headlines to get a clearer picture of their influence.
Key Takeaways
- News companies have faced challenges as online sources and changing ad models affect traditional revenue streams.
- Print media and local newspapers have been hit particularly hard, while broadcast news and streaming services continue to be popular.
- Comcast, Thomson Reuters, and Naspers are among the largest media companies based on market capitalization.
- Many large media companies are expanding into non-news areas like technology and data to diversify.
- Audience reach remains important, but companies are also investing in different business ventures.
1. Comcast
When you think about big media and internet companies, Comcast often comes up. It’s a massive player, especially in the United States, known for its cable TV and home internet services. But it’s not just about getting you online or watching your favorite shows; Comcast also has a significant footprint in the news world.
Comcast is the largest broadcasting and cable television company globally based on its revenue. This means they have a huge reach. Think about the news channels they control, like NBC News, MSNBC, and CNBC right here in the US. They also have a stake in Sky News over in the UK. So, whether you’re getting your news from a TV channel or through your internet provider, there’s a good chance Comcast is involved somewhere along the line.
Here’s a quick look at some of their financial performance:
| Metric | Value (as of June 30, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Revenue (TTM) | $124.18 billion |
| Net Income (TTM) | $22.9 billion |
| Market Cap (Oct 21, 2025) | $110.66 billion |
It’s pretty wild to think about how much these companies influence what we see and hear every day. Comcast is definitely one of the giants shaping the media landscape.
2. Thomson Reuters
When you think about news and financial information, Thomson Reuters probably comes to mind. It’s a big player, providing professionals with all sorts of data and tools to help them do their jobs better. Think lawyers, financial advisors, journalists – they all rely on Thomson Reuters for up-to-date information.
The company is a global powerhouse in news and information services. Beyond just the famous Reuters news wire, they offer a lot more. This includes legal databases, tax information, and business analytics. It’s not just about breaking news; it’s about the deep dives and the data that professionals need to make important decisions.
Here’s a quick look at some of their key areas:
- Legal: Providing research tools, software, and services for legal professionals.
- Tax & Accounting: Offering solutions for tax compliance and accounting.
- Reuters News: Delivering global news to media organizations and businesses.
- Financial & Risk: Supplying market data, trading platforms, and risk management tools.
It’s pretty impressive how they’ve managed to build such a wide range of services. They really focus on giving people the information they need, when they need it. You can find out more about their work in professional services.
Looking at their financials, Thomson Reuters brought in about $7.32 billion in revenue over the last twelve months ending June 30, 2025. Their net income was around $1.63 billion for the same period. The company’s market value was about $72.57 billion as of October 21, 2025. It’s a solid business, though its stock hasn’t seen much growth recently, with a trailing one-year return of -3.22%.
3. Naspers
Naspers is a bit of a different player in the media landscape. It’s a South African company, but it’s got its fingers in a lot of pies, especially when it comes to online stuff. Think of it as a big holding company that invests in various media and tech businesses.
The most interesting thing about Naspers is its massive stake in Tencent, the Chinese tech giant. That investment alone has made it a huge force in the global market. But it’s not just Tencent; Naspers also has a history of investing in newspapers, magazines, and book publishers, though its focus has really shifted towards the digital world.
Here’s a quick look at some of its key financial points:
| Metric | Value (as of March 31, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Revenue (TTM) | $7.18 billion |
| Net Income (TTM) | $5.24 billion |
| Market Cap (Oct. 21, 2025) | $53.84 billion |
| Trailing 1-Year Total Return (Oct. 20, 2025) | 47.47% |
So, while you might not see Naspers’ name on a lot of news channels directly, its influence is felt through its significant investments. It’s a company that’s really good at spotting potential in new technologies and online platforms, which has paid off big time. It shows how media companies are evolving beyond just traditional print and broadcast.
4. Warner Bros. Discovery
So, Warner Bros. Discovery. This is a pretty big name in the entertainment world, right? They’ve got a whole bunch of stuff under their belt, from movies and TV shows to streaming services. Think HBO, CNN, Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network – the list goes on. It’s a company that’s really trying to cover all the bases when it comes to what we watch and consume.
They’ve got a massive portfolio of brands, and it’s kind of a mix of old Hollywood glamour and newer, reality-focused content. It’s not just about making movies anymore; it’s about having a presence everywhere people are looking for content. This means they’re dealing with everything from blockbuster films to documentaries and even live news.
Here’s a quick look at some of their key areas:
- Television Networks: This includes channels like CNN, TNT, TBS, and the Discovery family of networks (Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV, Food Network, Animal Planet).
- Filmed Entertainment: This is where Warner Bros. Pictures comes in, producing and distributing major films.
- Streaming Services: They operate Max (formerly HBO Max), which is a big player in the streaming game.
It’s a company that’s been through some changes, and there’s always a lot going on behind the scenes. The sheer scale of their content library is what really sets them apart. They’re constantly trying to figure out how to best get all these different kinds of shows and movies to audiences, whether that’s through traditional TV, their streaming app, or even in theaters. It’s a complex business, for sure, and they’re definitely a company to watch as the media landscape keeps shifting. There was even talk of a huge Netflix acquisition at one point, which just shows how much people are interested in what they own.
| Segment | Key Brands/Activities |
|---|---|
| Television Networks | CNN, TNT, TBS, Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, Animal Planet |
| Filmed Entertainment | Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema |
| Streaming Services | Max |
5. Fox Corp.
When you think of major media players, Fox Corp. often comes up. This company is a big deal in news, sports, and entertainment. It was actually formed back in 2019, kind of as a spin-off after Disney bought a bunch of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment stuff. So, the news side of things, along with some other content, became its own thing.
Fox Corp. is primarily known for its news division, Fox News Media, and a network of local news affiliates. They also have a significant presence in sports broadcasting and entertainment programming. It’s interesting to see how these companies evolve, especially after major corporate shifts.
Here’s a quick look at some of their key areas:
- News: This includes the well-known Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, and a variety of local news stations across the US. They aim to provide a wide range of news coverage to different audiences.
- Sports: Fox Sports is a major player in broadcasting live sporting events, from professional leagues to college sports. They’ve got rights to some pretty big games.
- Entertainment: This segment covers their TV networks like Fox Broadcasting Company, which airs popular shows and series, as well as their owned television stations.
It’s a company that really touches a lot of households through its various platforms. You can check out their NASDAQ activity to see how they’re doing in the market.
6. BCE
BCE, which most folks know as Bell Canada Enterprises, is a pretty big deal up in Canada. It started way back when, thanks to Alexander Graham Bell himself, who basically handed over his telephone patent rights to his dad to get things rolling in the late 1880s. Can you imagine? From a tiny phone company to what it is today – Canada’s largest player in media and communications. They’ve got their hands in pretty much everything: radio and TV stations, streaming services, advertising, cell phone plans, internet, and even those smart home gadgets.
It’s a massive operation that touches a lot of Canadian households daily.
Here’s a quick look at what BCE is all about:
- Telecom Services: This is their bread and butter. Think landlines, mobile phone services (like Bell Mobility), and high-speed internet. They’re the backbone for a lot of communication across the country.
- Media Holdings: BCE also owns a significant chunk of Canada’s media landscape. This includes TV networks (like CTV), radio stations, and digital media properties. They produce and distribute a ton of content.
- Bell Media: This is their advertising and content creation arm. They sell ad space across their various platforms and produce shows and other media.
It’s interesting to see how a company that started with just the telephone has grown into such a diverse communications giant. They’ve had to adapt a lot over the years, especially with the rise of the internet and mobile technology, but they seem to have kept pace.
Wrapping It Up
So, we’ve looked at a few big players in the media and news world, from giants like Comcast to companies that are still finding their footing. It’s clear that these businesses aren’t just about putting out stories; they’re complex operations dealing with changing technology, shifting reader habits, and the constant need to adapt. Whether they’re navigating the digital age or figuring out new revenue streams, their stories show us that even the biggest companies have to keep moving to stay relevant. It’s a good reminder that the world of business, much like the news itself, is always evolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comcast’s main business?
Comcast is a huge company that provides cable TV and internet services. It’s also a major player in broadcasting and owns well-known news channels like NBC News and CNBC.
What kind of information does Thomson Reuters provide?
Thomson Reuters is a Canadian company that offers important financial and market data to people all over the world. They also have a news service called Reuters and provide services for legal and business professionals.
What is Naspers and what does it own?
Naspers is a big company from South Africa that invests in newspapers, magazines, and book publishers. They also have a significant share in Tencent, a giant tech company.
What are some of the brands under Warner Bros. Discovery?
Warner Bros. Discovery is a media company with many popular brands. This includes TV channels like CNN and HBO, as well as movie studios like Warner Bros. Pictures.
How did Fox Corp. become a separate company?
Fox Corp. was created in 2019 after Disney bought most of 21st Century Fox. The news and other content businesses were then made into their own company, Fox Corp.
What services does BCE offer?
BCE, which used to be Bell Canada Enterprises, is Canada’s largest media and communications provider. They offer phone services, internet, TV, radio stations, and streaming services.
