| dc.description.abstract | This research explores the multi-channel networks from the business perspective in responding to current challenges in the turbulent industry. Since some of the giant channel networks has diminished, some voice anticipates the demise of the MCNs, and the boundary of its roles is somewhat vague and fuzzy in the media industry. Therefore, this research is designed for three purposes. First, clarifying its specialties compared to the other players in the media field. Second, to find how the channel networks resolve the current challenges in a business model innovation lens. Third, to reveal the different dynamics in non-American countries in order to see how environmental factors affect the MCN’s performance. Therefore, three existing multi- channel networks are selected to analyze in different regions, Sweden, South Korea, and the U.K. The regions are chosen to compare on a global spectrum, and four employees of the selected companies participated in a qualitative, semi-structured interview. In order to analyze the case units, an analytical framework is designed based on the business model and business model innovation literature. Also, the relevant theoretical propositions are introduced to explain the surrounding issues with new concepts. As a result, there are three findings. First, the three MCNs have interdependencies with traditional media players such as talent agents and advertising agencies and established broadcasters. Also, they have evolved based on new digital technologies as a convergent space. Second, there are some external driving forces around the MCN industry as dynamic contexts, and the three cases are influenced by the environmental forces. As a result, some opportunities and challenges are found in technology, regulation, and market contexts. Lastly, the 4C roles of MCN business models, namely, communication, community, content, and commerce, are defined as an attempt to formalize the industry. Since the topic is relatively understudied, and there is no study on a global spectrum with the empirical data that covers three distinct countries, this research can be a cornerstone to see the different dynamics of multi-channel networks around the world. | eng |