Also look at FIFA World Cups right when they were formed versus now, same exact tournament and participants, but the modern has become completely filled with "value" through ads.
Ironically we're seeing many streaming services produce higher quality content and a big part is that they are taking more risks. People are not just being vocal, but voting with their dollars. I'd far rather see something in the theaters than at home but not only is the price of a movie far higher than a month of streaming, but there just are so few good theatrical movies now. A major part of streaming services' success actively demonstrates that YOU are not the problem.
What power does corporate have to force someone to watch a game of football?
> the modern has become completely filled with "value" through ads.
Because sufficient people agree with trade. If they were not OK with the trade, sufficient people would do any of the countless other activities available to them.
It's a different story for industries where doing the alternative has a high amount of friction. Entertainment is not one of them.
Sure, the risky subversive stuff doesn't have multi-million dollar marketing budgets, but why should it, it's risky and subversive.
The current media environment is the product of what people give attention to.
That's entirely beside the point and not an argument for why certain kinds of art thrive.