This article will list the world’s 30 best companies according to the media.
Transforming the Media Landscape: Challenges, Growth, and the Influence of Major Corporations
Many people ask what a media company is and why their opinions matter. Media companies produce and distribute content through traditional and digital channels, influencing public opinion and shaping narratives via their broad reach and credibility. Knowing that the media sector encompasses a wide array of activities including advertising, broadcasting, networking, and news, we cannot ignore their impact on the market. Such firms operate across diverse fields, catering to end customers ranging from individuals to large enterprises. This list highlights major media corporations, providing insights into their operations and offerings.
While digital media is faring considerably well, the same cannot be said about traditional media. In fact, the year 2022 saw losses from traditional media companies amounting to $5 billion on streaming services-except for Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN). The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBD), Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) and Paramount, are all some big entertainment conglomerates that are a part of the traditional media downfall in one way or another. Factors such as a weak advertising market, rising production costs, and declining revenues in traditional media have all been responsible for their demise.
An Accenture survey of 6,000 consumers highlights additional challenges by revealing their media consumption behaviors. The survey reveals 55.9% of those surveyed expressing frustration over paying at multiple platforms to access content, 65.5% finding it inconvenient to enter personal information repeatedly, and more than half complaining that recommendations provided did not match their interests. Moreover, as many as 30% of consumers now spend over 10 minutes searching for new content, a figure that has since doubled from the past. As a result of many of these problems, linear TV viewership has dropped by 26% since last year, while Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) has surged by 57%. Additionally, consumers have significantly increased their usage of social media (52%), social video (52%), and video games (50%)—areas where traditional media companies have minimal presence.
The media industry has experienced a profound transformation with the successful expansion of the subscription model, presenting new growth opportunities amid substantial declines in advertising revenues. Leading this shift, Amazon and Netflix have both achieved remarkable increases in revenue and audience numbers. Moreover, companies such as Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) are investing in diversified revenue streams such as gaming, streaming, and even live sports. These revenue streams give them a “safety net”, something that pure play companies lack.
As such, media firms have considerable influence over buyers, and their earnings place them at the top of the list. The companies on the Forbes 2023 list of the top 100 companies collectively represent 61 different countries, $51.7 trillion in sales, $4.5 trillion in income, $238 trillion in assets, and $88 trillion in market value. As such, the ranking of the world’s largest publicly traded firms currently leans heavily towards the United States, marking a shift since the 2008 financial crisis. Bagging the top spot in Forbes top companies is JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) with a market capitalization of $580 billion as of June 2024. This American multinational finance company is one of the most valuable companies in the world. The number two spot is taken by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) , an American multinational conglomerate holding company. Companies such as chip maker NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) are also gaining considerable traction owing to AI, having moved up more than a 100 spots on Forbes’ list. However, when talking about the best companies according to the media, the results may not tally with Forbes lists.
A busy street with pedestrians and cars, a billboard advertising the public company’s services in the background.
Methodology
The compilation of the best firms by media began with lists published by media companies. In this regard, Forbes conducted extensive research, compiling multiple major rankings of the most valuable corporations, largest companies, top employers, and leading technology firms. Their methodology ranks the world’s largest firms based on four metrics: sales, profitability, assets, and market value. To identify the top employers, they surveyed over 170,000 employees from international corporations and organizations across more than 50 countries. We also referred to Fast Company’s list of the most innovative companies, top 100 tech companies, and Visual Capitalist’s list of the most valuable brands. We compared these lists with previous years’ rankings to determine which firms consistently appeared. It’s important to note that these lists encompass both media companies and companies associated with media brands, too. This is how our compilation of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media, as recognized by the media, was formulated.
Here are the world’s 30 best companies according to the media:
30. PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) is the largest payment processor in the world, controlling 45% of the worldwide payments market share with a market valuation of $69.41 billion. A company that facilitates internet money transfers has impressive sales figures and deserves a place on the list of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media. Despite occasional customer concerns, this corporation remains at the top due to its ongoing market adjustments. In Q4 2023, PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) processed 25 billion transactions totaling $1.53 trillion in payments. With $29.8 billion in revenue from transactions and other services in 2023, PayPal’s net income increased by 8.19% year over year to $4.25 billion.
29. TikTok
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Tiktok, which was first introduced in 2016 in Douyin, has grown rapidly in its short history. Its success can be attributed to Covid-19 and the popularity of short video forms designed primarily for entertainment, but the platform has not lost appeal in the post-Covid period. Even a brief look at the figures indicates that this is a corporation that belongs on this list. TikTok, which has over 1.9 billion global users and over 4.7 billion downloads, was the first non-game, non-Facebook (Meta) app to exceed 3 billion downloads. TikTok is expected to achieve more than 2.2 billion users by 2027. It is certainly a company to consider as one of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media.
28. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) is a multinational healthcare company that has been innovating and leading in diabetes care for over 97 years. This history has enabled the company to assist patients in overcoming other severe chronic ailments such as hemophilia, growth hormone-related problems, and obesity. Along with 97% of its clients rating it as “excellent,” 92% of employees believe their employment has particular value and is not “just a job.” Additionally, 92% of team members appreciate management’s clear vision for the organization’s future and the path to achieve it. Fast Company listed it as one of the most innovative companies. Furthermore, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO)’s global ranking in terms of Rx medicine revenue in 2022 is 14th, with a market capitalization of $207.8 billion as of November 2022.
27. Tencent Holdings
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Tencent Holdings Ltd. is an investment business that provides value-added services and online advertising services. It operates in three segments: value-added services, online advertising, and other. Tencent Holdings Ltd. has a market capitalization or net worth of $453.86 billion and an enterprise value of $448.00 billion. Over the last year, TCEHY generated $85.18 billion in revenue and $18.08 billion in profit, with earnings per share of $1.89. It is consistently ranked among the top 50 companies on Forbes lists and is also on our list of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media
26. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is an integrated oil and gas firm engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. It is also involved in the production, distribution, and sale of crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), a leading oil and gas business, has a market value of $344.6 billion and ranks third among the top oil producers in terms of output. The corporation reported high first-quarter earnings of $8.2 billion and $14.7 billion in cash flow from operations. Despite being in the oil industry, ExxonMobil has done a lot to safeguard the environment, cutting operating methane emissions intensity by more than 60% since 2016.
25. Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Saudi Aramco is one of the world’s largest integrated oil and gas enterprises and one of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media. Its upstream operations manage Saudi Arabia’s unique hydrocarbon reserve base, optimizing output and maximizing long-term value. The corporation also operates a strategically integrated global downstream business. Headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Aramco operates throughout the Kingdom and globally, employing about 73,000 people.
24. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) operates as a holding conglomerate, leveraging its strength through controlling stakes in various companies. Investing primarily in firms with a proven track record, Buffett has allocated funds across a diverse range of industries. Notable sectors include primary and reinsurance operations, freight rail transportation, and a cluster of utility, energy-producing, and distribution companies. Berkshire Hathaway has acquired over 53 businesses, with a significant portion being insurance companies. The company’s float, which reached around $147 billion in the second quarter of 2022, has experienced steady growth of approximately 20% per year since 1970. This growth has contributed significantly to the exceptional success of Berkshire Hathaway’s businesses and puts it on the list of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media.
23. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), a multinational investment bank and financial services holding company based in New York, has a rich history that spans over 1,200 predecessor institutions. The firm’s oldest predecessor dates back to 1799 with the establishment of the Manhattan Company. Today, JPMorgan Chase stands as a prominent force in the banking industry, both in the United States and on a global scale. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a prominent player in the financial services industry, boasting an impressive $3.9 trillion in assets and a global presence. Forbes ranked the company as the top player in its industry, highlighting its significant size and influence and it deserves the place on the list of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media.
22. SAP SE (NYSE: SAP)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
With its expertise in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP stands as a global leader at the intersection of business and technology. For over five decades, companies have trusted SAP to optimize their operations in finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience. Established in 1972, the company originally bore the name System Analysis Program Development (Systemanalyse Programmentwicklung), later abbreviated to SAP.
21. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM), along with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacturing, packaging, testing, and sale of integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices globally. In 2023, the global semiconductor industry’s revenue is projected to reach $532 billion, marking a substantial growth rate of 16%. The APAC region (excluding Japan) contributes significantly to this figure, generating $343 billion in semiconductor revenue. Forbes has recognized Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited by including it in their prestigious list of the top global tech companies and we put it on our list of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media.
20. Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Established in 1999 as an online B2B wholesaler, Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) has emerged as the undisputed e-commerce leader in China over the past two decades. By 2022, Alibaba dominated the online retail space, capturing a significant portion of the global e-commerce market. Its market share exceeded that of Amazon, firmly establishing its position as a major industry player.
19. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Intel is a prominent player in the semiconductor industry, specializing in designing and manufacturing small chips that power our computers, smartphones, and various other devices. Intel, along with other global companies, is contributing funding for the 2024 Olympic Games. Intel is recognized as the 14th most valuable trademark globally. Forbes considers it one of the best tech companies in the world and one of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media.
18. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO)
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Cisco Systems Inc. (Cisco) specializes in integrating various technologies, encompassing networking, security, collaboration, applications, and cloud services. The company offers a wide array of products, including switches, modules, wireless products, controllers, access points, routers, and interfaces. These products and technologies empower clients to efficiently manage a larger number of users, devices, and connected things on their networks. In 2023, Cisco reported a revenue of approximately $57 billion USD, accompanied by a net income of $12.6 billion USD. Cisco is widely recognized as a top employer and a leading tech company globally so we put it on the list of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media.
17. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM)
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Despite facing investigations related to safety issues with one of their models, Toyota Motor Corporation achieved remarkable financial performance in its 2024 fiscal year, spanning from April 2023 to March 2024. The company reported approximately 45.1 trillion Japanese yen in revenue. Operating income for the year saw an unprecedented year-over-year increase of 96.4 percent, highlighting significant profitability.
16. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA)
Insider Monkey Score: 3
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) specializes in designing and developing graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), and system-on-a-chip (SoC) units. The company supplies products to various markets including gaming, professional visualization, data center, and automotive sectors. Additionally, NVIDIA offers solutions for artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, data center and cloud computing, design and visualization, edge computing, high-performance computing (HPC), and self-driving vehicles. NVIDIA’s product lineup includes GeForce NOW, Quadro, GeForce, SHIELD, vGPU, DOCA, JESTON, and Bluefield.
15. ICBC
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Founded in 1984 following the restructuring of China’s banking system, ICBC emerged as a leading state-owned bank, specializing in commercial banking operations. Over the years, ICBC has adeptly adapted to the changing dynamics of the Chinese economy while staying true to its core mission. Despite its substantial consumer business, the bank maintains a strong focus on serving corporate clients.
14. Deutsche Telekom
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Deutsche Telekom has experienced impressive growth in recent years, with global revenue reaching 112 billion euros in 2023. This continues the company’s consistent trend of surpassing the 100 billion euro mark annually since 2020. In 2023, the firm’s revenue saw a significant increase, with North American operations playing a major role by contributing 65 percent to the overall revenue. Additionally, the company’s German business contributed 23 percent to net revenue.
13. The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)
Insider Monkey Score: 3
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) is an entertainment and media powerhouse, specializing in producing and acquiring television programs, live-action films, and animated motion pictures. The company operates a diverse portfolio of cable channels and television networks, including Disney, ESPN, FX, Freeform, and National Geographic. Disney’s business spans across various industries such as theme parks, resorts, television networks, and publishing. They also offer Disney-themed products and provide an English language learning curriculum for Chinese children.
12. China Mobile
Insider Monkey Score: 3
China Mobile was established in 1997 and operates primarily in mainland China and Hong Kong SAR within the telecommunications industry. This sector falls under the broader category of ‘Information & Communication,’ which includes the creation, dissemination, transmission, and distribution of information and cultural products, as well as activities related to data, communications, information technology, and information services.
11. IBM (NYSE: IBM)
Insider Monkey Score: 3
IBM, a prominent tech giant since the nineties, has faced challenges in adapting to shifts in the marketplace in recent years. Despite this, IBM continues to generate strong profits, albeit not reaching the peak levels seen from 2006 to 2012. By 2023, IBM’s revenue had reached approximately $62 billion USD, showing a growth of about $1.5 billion USD compared to the previous year. Over the past decade, IBM has experienced a consistent decline in annual revenue after surpassing the $100 billion USD mark. Nevertheless, IBM continues to maintain a prominent position among the most valuable technology brands globally, alongside industry giants such as Apple, Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. As a result, it consistently ranks among the top companies worldwide.
10. AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T)
Insider Monkey Score: 3
AT&T, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a prominent telecommunications company offering a wide range of services to both consumer and business customers, primarily focusing on the United States wireless market. AT&T commands a significant market share of 29.8% in U.S. wireless subscriptions, with global revenue for 2022 reaching an impressive $120.74 billion. The company has solidified its position as a key player in the wireless communications industry, accounting for nearly 46% of all wireless subscriptions provided by major operators in the U.S. as of the first quarter of 2023.
9. Verizon Communications
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Verizon, a leading player in the American telecommunications industry, boasts an impressive workforce of 105,000 employees as of 2023. This U.S.-based telecommunications giant stands as the largest company of its kind in the United States. As of 2024, Verizon ranks as the fourth-largest telecommunications company globally in terms of market capitalization. Furthermore, Verizon has achieved the notable distinction of being the second-most valuable telecom brand worldwide. In 2023, Verizon reported revenues nearing $134 billion USD, consistently surpassing the $130 billion USD mark since 2021. The company typically experiences its strongest financial performance in the fourth quarter. The consumer segment significantly contributes to over 75% of Verizon’s total revenues, highlighting its substantial presence and impact in the telecommunications market.
8. Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Starting as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Arkansas, Walmart has experienced exponential growth, expanding its footprint across the United States and globally. In 2023, Walmart achieved impressive global net sales of nearly $606 billion USD, marking a 6.7 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year. This growth was largely driven by robust sales during the holiday season, despite cost-conscious shoppers reducing overall expenses in response to rising prices. Walmart’s global revenue now stands at a staggering $648 billion USD, underscoring its significant role in the retail industry worldwide. It surely deserves to be on the list of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media.
7. Oracle (NYSE: ORCL)
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Oracle Corporation is a prominent American multinational computer technology company headquartered in Austin, Texas. In 2020, Oracle ranked as the third-largest software company globally in terms of revenue and market capitalization. By 2023, the company had achieved a ranking of 80th in the Forbes Global 2000 and held the 18th position among top tech companies. Visual Capitalist also recognized Oracle as the most valuable company in its sector, so we put it on the list of the world’s 30 best companies according to the media.
6. Facebook (Meta Platforms)
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Facebook, now known as Meta, celebrated its 20th anniversary in February 2024, marking two decades of growth and connecting billions of users worldwide. Despite Mark Zuckerberg’s journey with Meta being marked by controversy, the company continues to wield significant influence. As of the last quarter of 2023, an astounding 3.19 billion people were reported to be using at least one of Meta’s core products daily. These products include Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. In terms of financial performance, Meta reported a revenue of $116 billion for the fiscal year 2022. However, earnings declined slightly from the previous year’s $117 billion. The company faced a notable decline in revenue for the first time, but it rebounded in 2023, reaching a total of $134.9 billion.
5. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN)
Insider Monkey Score: 4
The international e-commerce giant has revolutionized the way people shop online, maximizing the potential of the marketplace business model. Amazon’s net sales revenue worldwide in 2023 reached nearly $575 billion USD, showcasing remarkable growth in sales figures. Amazon is widely recognized as one of the most valuable brands globally, thanks to its extensive global presence and influence.
