The Current State of the Largest Media Companies in the World
Led by the top 10 largest media companies in the world pushing the industry to new heights, the global entertainment and media market continues to perform exceptionally. Just how much is the entertainment and media market worth? The global media market (comprising of primarily television, radio, internet, and newspaper) was worth USD 1.8 trillion in 2016 and expected to grow to USD 2.2 trillion by 2021. Traditional pay-TV providers continue to transform their business models, implementing strategies to help minimize churn. One of the largest risers of media has been podcasting, as revenue from podcasting increased by 42.4% year-over-year in 2019.
Leading the way for the biggest media companies in the world is American media conglomerate AT&T. The 2nd and 3rd largest media companies in the world by revenue are Comcast and The Walt Disney Company respectively. The global media market is changing and new forms of technology are expected to lead the way. This article will breakdown the top 10 largest media companies in the world ranked by revenue in 2020. Additionally, the article will also dive into the market cap figures and industry stats you need to know in 2020. Here are some questions that will be answered with this detailed post:
- What is the largest media company in the world by revenue?
- Who are the big 6 media companies?
- Global entertainment and media market statistics and trends you should know.
- How big is the media market?
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Global Media Market Facts, Statistics, and Trends
- AT&T is the largest media company in the world in 2020, generating revenues of USD 2 billion.
- Who are the big 6 media companies that own almost all media? The big 6 media companies are Comcast, The Walt Disney Company, News Corporation, Time Warner, Viacom, and CBS.
- Year-over-year podcasting revenue has increased by 42.4% in the USA.
- eSports market revenue has increased USD 281 million in the USA.
- Ad-supported video has already become the dominant model of delivering streaming video to consumers in China, India, and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
- Mergers and acquisitions will likely continue to provide another avenue for media companies to strengthen their content libraries.
Top 10 Largest Media Companies in the World by Revenue 2020
Who are the biggest media companies in the world in 2020? The following is a list of largest media companies in the world ranked by their revenues as of 2020.
Rank |
Media Company |
Revenue (USD billion) |
Headquarters |
| 1 | AT&T | 181.2 | Texas, USA |
| 2 | Comcast | 108.94 | Pennsylvania, USA |
| 3 | The Walt Disney Company | 69.57 | California, USA |
| 4 | Charter Communications | 43.63 | Connecticut, USA |
| 5 | 21st Century Fox | 30.4 | New York, USA |
| 6 | WPP Plc | 16.74 | London, UK |
| 7 | CBS | 14.51 | New York, USA |
| 8 | Viacom | 12.83 | New York, USA |
| 9 | Dish Network | 12.8 | Colorado, USA |
| 10 | Thomson Reuters | 5.5 | Ontario, Canada |
1. AT&T
What is the largest media company? AT&T is the largest media company in the world by revenue, generating USD 181.2 billion last year. AT&T Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered at Whitacre Tower in Downtown Dallas, Texas. As of now, At&T is also the world’s largest telecommunications company. In 2018, AT&T acquired Time Warner Inc. and gained media properties such as Turner Broadcasting and HBO; Warner Bros. branded film, TV shows and video game properties; and publishing properties. As of 2020, AT&T has a current market cap of USD 283.07 billion — making it one of the largest media companies in the world by both revenue and market cap.
- Founded: 1983
- AT&T Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, USA
- AT&T Revenue: USD 181.2 billion
- AT&T Market Cap: 283.07
AT&T Products and Services
- Satellite television
- Fixed-line telephones
- Mobile telephones
- Internet services
- Broadband
- Digital television
- Home security
- IPTV
- OTT services
- Network security
- Film production
- Television production
- Cable television
- Pay television
- Publishing
- Podcasts
- Sports management
- News agency
- Video games
2. Comcast
Ranking 2nd on this list of the top 10 largest media companies in the world by revenue is Comcast, an American telecommunications conglomerate headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Comcast has a subscriber count of 21,650,000 and is known for the well-known Xfinity brand for its cables services. The company was founded in 1963 and offers Cable/Fiber services. Comcast is the parent company of NBC Universal since 2011. Comcast owns and operates Xfinity residential cable communications and over-the-air national broadcast network channels such as NBC, Telemundo, TeleXitos, and Cozi TV. Last year Comcast generated USD 108.94 billion in revenues making it 2nd on this list of the biggest media companies worldwide by revenue in 2020.
- Founded: 1963
- Comcast Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Comcast Revenue: USD 108.94 billion
- Comcast Market Cap: USD 210.89 billion
Comcast Products and Services
- Broadband
- Cable television
- Digital telephone
- Direct-broadcast satellite
3. The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company ranks 3rd on this list of the biggest media companies in the world by revenue. Disney is an American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. The company was known as the leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into live-action film production, television, and theme parks. Growing as a leading media brand, Disney recently launched the very popular Disney Plus streaming service to compete with the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and others in the on-demand streaming market. The Walt Disney Company generated USD 69.57 billion in revenues last year making it one of the top media companies worldwide in 2020 by revenue. The company also has a market cap of USD 245.33 billion as of 2020, making it one of the largest media companies in the world by market cap.
- Founded: 1923
- Disney Headquarters: Burbank, California, USA
- Disney Revenue: USD 69.57 billion
- Disney Market Cap: USD 245.33 billion
Disney Products and Services
- Television
- Publishing
- Films
- Music
- Video games
- Amusement parks
- Broadcasting
- Radio
- Web portals
4. Charter Communications
Charter Communications is an American telecommunications and mass media company that offers its services to consumers and businesses under the branding of Spectrum. Generating USD 43.63 billion in revenues last year, Charter Communications ranks 4th on this list of the top 10 largest media companies in the world by revenue in 2020. Charter Communications was founded in 1993 and acquired Time Warner Cable in 2015, boosting its media presence. As of 2020, Charter Communications has a market cap of USD 94.13 billion — making it one of the largest media conglomerates in the world.
- Founded: 1993
- Charter Communication Headquarters: Stamford, Connecticut, USA
- Charter Communication Revenue: USD 43.63 billion
- Charter Communication Market Cap: USD 94.13 billion
Charter Communication Products and Services
- Broadband
- Cable television
- Digital cable
- Digital telephone
- HDTV
- Home security
- Internet
- Internet security
- VoIP phone
5. 21st Century Fox
Ranking 5th on this list of the top 10 largest media companies in the world by revenue is 21st Century Fox, an American multinational mass media corporation that was based in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The company has since split into smaller segments but before splitting it was the 5th biggest media company in the world by revenue. 21st Century Fox’s market cap was 21.08 billion in 2019.
- Founded: 2013
- 21st Century Fox Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- 21st Century Fox Revenue: USD 30.4 billion
- 21st Century Fox Market Cap: USD 21.08 billion
6. WPP plc
WPP plc is British multinational communication, advertising, public relations, technology, and commerce holding company headquartered in London, England. WPP plc ranks 6th on this list of the top 10 biggest media companies worldwide by revenue, generating USD 16.74 billion last year. WPP plc manages popular brands such as JWT, Ogilvy & Mather, Y&R, and Grey. As of 2020, WPP plc has a market cap of 16.09 — making the company one of the largest media companies in the world by market performance.
- Founded: 1971
- WPP plc Headquarters: London, UK
- WPP plc Revenue: USD 16.74 billion
- WPP plc Market Cap: USD 16.09 billion
WPP Plc Products and Services
- Integrated networks
- Media data and insights
- Public relations and public affairs
- Brand consulting
- Production
- Health and wellness
7. CBS
CBS is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network that is the flagship property of the CBS Entertainment Group division of ViacomCBS. CBS ranks 7th on this list of the top 10 largest media companies in the world by revenue in 2020. CBS operates in many spaces of broadcasting and media such as TV, print, radio, on-demand streaming, advertising, digital media, and more. CBS has a market cap of USD 16.45 billion as of 2020 — making it one of the top media companies in the world by market performance.
- Founded: 1927
- CBS Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- CBS Revenue: USD 14.51 billion
- CBS Market Cap: USD 16.45 billion
8. Viacom
Viacom has been succeeded by ViacomCBS but before it was defunct it was the 8th largest media company in the world, bringing in annual revenues of USD 12.83 billion. Viacom was an American multinational mass media conglomerate with interests primarily in film and television, which was formed as a spin-off of the first Viacom on December 31, 2005. Viacom’s entertainment business includes brand names like Paramount Pictures, MTV Films, Nickelodeon, and more. Viacom has a market cap of USD 10.65 billion.
- Founded: 2005
- Viacom Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Viacom Revenue: USD 12.83 billion
- Viacom Market Cap: USD 10.65 billion
Viacom Products and Services
- Cable television
- Radio
- Publishing
- Motion pictures
- Games
- Podcasts
- Web portals
9. Dish Network
Ranking 9th on this list of the top 10 biggest media companies in the world is Dish Network, an American television provider based in Englewood, Colorado. Dish Network is known for its products and services including direct-broadcast satellite, pay television, pay-per-view, and over-the-top media services. Additionally, the company offers wireless and OnTech Smart Services. Dish Network generated USD 12.8 billion in revenues last year — making it one of the largest media companies in the world in 2020.
- Founded: 1980
- Dish Network Headquarters: Englewood, Colorado, USA
- Dish Network Revenue: USD 12.83 billion
- Dish Network Market Cap: USD 17.21 billion
Dish Network Products and Services
- Direct-broadcast satellite
- Pay television
- Pay-per-view
- Over-the-top media services
10. Thomson Reuters
Rounding out BizVibe’s list of the top 10 largest media companies in the world is Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters is a Canadian multinational media conglomerate that was created by the Thomson Corporation’s purchase of the British company Reuters Group in April 2008. Thomson Reuters generated USD 5.5 billion in revenues last year — making it one biggest media corporation in Canada and in the world. Thomson Reuters has a current market cap of USD 33.47 billion.
- Founded: 2008
- Thomson Reuters Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Thomson Reuters Revenue: USD 5.5 billion
- Thomson Reuters Market Cap: USD 33.47 billion
This is BizVibe’s list of the top 10 largest media companies in the world ranked by revenue in 2020. The biggest media companies continue to innovate with products and services to meet the demand of mass audiences worldwide.
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Biggest Media Companies in the World by Market Cap
Analyzing and judging by revenue is one way to look at things, but there are other measures to see how a company is performing — or expected to perform in the future. Market capitalization refers to the total dollar market value of a company’s outstanding shares of stock. Commonly referred to as “market cap,” it is calculated by multiplying the total number of a company’s outstanding shares by the current market price of one share. Here are the largest media companies in the world ranked by market cap in 2020.
Rank |
Media Company |
Market Cap (USD billion) |
Headquarters |
| 1 | AT&T | 283.07 | Texas, USA |
| 2 | The Walt Disney Company | 245.33 | California, USA |
| 3 | Comcast | 210.89 | Pennsylvania, USA |
| 4 | Charter Communications | 94.13 | Connecticut, USA |
| 5 | Thomson Reuters | 33.47 | Ontario, Canada |
| 6 | 21st Century Fox | 21.08 | New York, USA |
| 7 | Dish Network | 17.21 | Colorado, USA |
| 8 | CBS | 16.45 | New York, USA |
| 9 | WPP Plc | 16.09 | London, UK |
| 10 | Viacom | 10.65 | New York, USA |
The Future of the Global Media Market
As business models change, companies are adapting to a more digital model. The top 10 largest media companies in the world are leading the way for this transformation by leveraging on-demand services and embracing mediums such as podcasting and more. The market is evolving but it seems like the biggest media companies in the world are also adapting their style to fit this new type of demand.
