According to this chart via Reddit, called “The Illusion of Choice,” these corporations create a chain that begins at one of 10 super companies. You’ve heard of the biggest names, but it’s amazing to see what these giants own or influence.

Note [t]he chart shows a mix of networks. Parent companies may own, own shares of, or may simply partner with their branch networks. For example, Coca-Cola does not own Monster, but distributes the energy drink.

What is true for consumer products is similarly true for news and information:

I will, however, stop before the chart on financial institutional control in the United States. It’s just too depressing, even for me.

Reddit via PolicyMic.