I think the consolidation of media owned and controlled by a very small group of wealthy individuals is poorly understood by the general public. At the same time, the amount of power that these entities have to control, shape and influence the population is immense and reinforces the ideals and values of the owners.
Manufacturing Consent which describes the propaganda model should be required reading, in all schools. It clearly demonstrates that mass media as a form of mind control in itself.

Hope you don't mind me dropping this short video in here which help explain how the propaganda model works. Cheers, enjoying the Pyramid of Power series very much.