Conglomerates - Good or Bad?

During our class debate on media conglomerates, I thought a lot about whether they are more helpful or harmful to our society. My initial thought was that they are harmful in many ways, and I have not changed my opinions much. The biggest issue for me is the fact that conglomerates have the ability to basically control what the mass population takes in as far as media. This would be a useful power if their main goal was to better the society. But instead their goal is obviously profit. Now I have no problem with companies trying to influence people to purchase something, that is their job and it is necessary for them to survive. But when conglomerates, who only want to gain popularity and money, knowingly use their power to influence people to dress, talk, act, and be a certain way, I find that wrong. Adults do have the ability to think for themselves and make their own personal decisions, despite the massive influence and pressure put upon them. But conglomerates target children too. Disney and Nickelodeon are now influencing children more than ever, and they are even more easily persuaded than adults. I think if a conglomerate wants to influence the population like they do, they need a better reason than monetary gain.