Ownership and control of media: past paper questions
Real questions on ownership and control of media
The newest 20 of 83 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9699/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1[4]
Describe two ways the media may influence identity.
See it on the paper → - 9699/13 · May/June 2026 · Q4[26]
Evaluate the view that the media is the most significant influence in shaping an individual’s identity. OR
See it on the paper → - 9699/41 · May/June 2026 · Q3[35]
‘The media exists to promote ruling-class ideology.’ Evaluate this view. Or
See it on the paper → - 9699/41 · May/June 2026 · Q4[35]
‘Growth of the new media has given audiences a greater influence over media content.’ Evaluate this view. Section C: Religion Either
See it on the paper → - 9699/42 · February/March 2026 · Q3[35]
‘Owners of the media have complete control over media content.’ Evaluate this view. Or
See it on the paper → - 9699/41 · October/November 2025 · Q4[35]
‘Governments lack the power to control media content.’ Evaluate this view. 4 Section C: Religion EITHER
See it on the paper → - 9699/42 · October/November 2025 · Q4[35]
‘Control of the media is shared between different groups.’ Evaluate this view. 4 Section C: Religion EITHER
See it on the paper → - 9699/43 · October/November 2025 · Q4[35]
‘Governments lack the power to control media content.’ Evaluate this view. 4 Section C: Religion EITHER
See it on the paper → - 9699/41 · May/June 2025 · Q3[35]
‘Owners of the media have little control over media content.’ Evaluate this view. OR
See it on the paper → - 9699/42 · May/June 2025 · Q4[35]
‘The new media is controlled by large media corporations.’ Evaluate this view. Section C: Religion EITHER
See it on the paper → - 9699/42 · February/March 2025 · Q4[35]
‘Government is the main influence on media content.’ Evaluate this view. 4 Section C: Religion EITHER
See it on the paper → - 9699/11 · October/November 2024 · Q3a[10]
Explain this view.
See it on the paper → - 9699/11 · October/November 2024 · Q3b[6]
Using sociological material, give one argument against this view. Section B Answer one question in this section. EITHER
See it on the paper → - 9699/13 · October/November 2024 · Q3a[10]
Explain this view.
See it on the paper → - 9699/13 · October/November 2024 · Q3b[6]
Using sociological material, give one argument against this view. Section B Answer one question in this section. EITHER
See it on the paper → - 9699/41 · October/November 2024 · Q4[35]
‘The new media has created more opportunities for individuals to challenge existing power structures.’ Evaluate this view. Section C: Religion EITHER
See it on the paper → - 9699/42 · October/November 2024 · Q3[35]
‘Governments have no control over the new media.’ Evaluate this view. OR
See it on the paper → - 9699/41 · May/June 2024 · Q4[35]
‘Media content reflects the interests of the rich and powerful.’ Evaluate this view. 4 Section C: Religion EITHER
See it on the paper → - 9699/42 · May/June 2024 · Q3[35]
‘Postmodernists have exaggerated the influence of the media in people’s lives today.’ Evaluate this view. OR
See it on the paper → - 9699/42 · May/June 2024 · Q4[35]
‘Governments have no control over media content.’ Evaluate this view. Section C: Religion EITHER
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Candidates demonstrate a clear understanding of how media owners can influence content, using accurate and relevant media terminology. • Responses integrate sociological perspectives, such as Marxist views and the propaganda model, to support the argument that owners have control over media content. • Well-chosen examples, such as the Murdoch family and their extensive me...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9699/42 Q3 (Cambridge)
High scoring answers used a range of evidence and argumentation to illustrate different ways that a government may influence media content. Candidates often drew a distinction between the respective situations with authoritarian and democratic governments. While authoritarian regimes were cited as having extensive direct powers in relation to the media, some answers rightly noted that in less dire...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9699/42 Q4 (Cambridge)
There were relatively few responses to this question. Good responses demonstrated a detailed understanding of the view, associated with conflict theories, that the new media is controlled by the rich and powerful. This was complemented by a sustained evaluation, often focusing on the competing claims of different theories of where power lies in relation to the new media. Some candidates made good...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9699/41 Q4 (Cambridge)
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