Final answer:
Increased understanding of vertical integration may lead consumers to be more selective in their media consumption due to the concentration of media ownership, which can limit content diversity and exposure to different viewpoints.
Step-by-step explanation:
An increased understanding of vertical integration in media can lead to selective media consumption based on specific preferences. This happens as media conglomerates that engage in vertical integration control a large swath of the media landscape, from production to distribution. Historically, a change from traditional news sources such as print, radio, and television to digital platforms resulted in a decreased demand for the former. Consequently, the demand curve for traditional news sources shifted to the left. With media consolidation, where just a few firms dominate, consumers are exposed to limited viewpoints, raising concerns about the diversity and neutrality of content. In essence, vertical integration and consolidation might limit content diversity and lead to media consumption that is more selective and less representative of a broad range of sources and opinions.