We’ve all heard that refrain “Small business is the backbone of our economy” but is it true? John Oliver examines recent trends, noting for example that the airline industry has gone from ten major carriers in 2006 to only four today. The auto rental car industry has shrunk to only three major companies that account for 90% of the business, and 70% of the American beer industry is represented by only two companies. Often this lack of diversity is hidden by clever marketing and branding that obfuscates the true ownership of product lines. Could this lack of diversity have negative consequences? You bet! And John covers some of his favorites (culminating in some pyrotechnics with a cable box!).

This is could be a dicey issue for John since the show’s parent company Time-Warner is attempting to merge with AT&T. Kudos to John for having the courage take on this issue in spite of the potential for retaliation. And he pulls it off while poking fun at some of his colleagues in the industry.  (h/t to AGD)

NSFW: Language.  (Hey, what can I say? It’s cable.)

 

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