Synergy is a complex concept. Synergy in media and business is the idea of using one medium to promote another in a way that successfully builds the business (Goodwin, 2016). Walt Disney is known to be one of the pioneers of utilizing synergy in terms of media. Disney was able to expand his brand across many different platforms that led to how successful the organization is today (Goodwin, 2016). A neighboring concept is cultural synergy. Comparing and analyzing the two shows how all around collaboration effects the success of a business and the strategies used in media. It also allows us to see how the success of one can lead to the success of the other.

The Collaborating Worlds of Media Synergy and Cultural Synergy
Synergy is combining different variables to make something that is stronger than each variable by itself. Used correctly, synergy can give audiences a deeper connection to a brand that allows them to feel more engaged. Walt Disney serves as a perfect example of the use of synergy. The Walt Disney Company website states that, “Collaboration is a huge part of the way we do business at the Company – so much so that it continuously drives us to create innovative merchandise at Disney Consumer Products” (The Walt Disney Company, 2014). The four main strategies of synergy are media economics and ownership, synergy of viewing, media production and media ethics (Goodwin, 2016). Disney uses a mix of elements such as televison shows, theme parks, merchandise and more to keep their audience and consumers engaged. Cultural synergy deals with the internal flow of everything. When there are different groups working together, the two need to be able to cohesively come together and create success (PennState, 2014).
Comparing and Collaborating With The Synergies
Understanding media and cultural synergy gives organizations an advantage to strategically connect with their consumers. Media synergy itself is not enough for a company to connect with their publics. Cultural synergy and internal cohesion is just as important (Goodwin, 2016). Focusing on the two synergies and spending time to adequetly utilize them can be the first steps for a company to be successful like Walt Disney (maybe not AS successful, but baby steps). Toys, television shows, halloween costumes, cruises, movies, merchandise and themes parks are all examples of the synergy used by Disney (Disney Experiences, 2025). The different cultures within a brand and company working together and bringing the aspect of cultural synergy is a main reason for a companies success ans should not be overlooked.

Keywords:
Media Synergy, Cultural Synergy, Collaborating, Comparing
References:
Disney Experiences. (2025, August 12). Disney Experiences: Magic through Imagination & Innovation. Disney Experiences. https://disneyexperiences.com/
Goodwin, J. (2016). A Concept Explication of Synergy. Colorado State University.
How Synergy Inspires Disney’s Innovative Merchandise and Products – The Walt Disney Company. (2014, September 17). The Walt Disney Company. https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/how-synergy-inspires-disneys-innovative-merchandise-and-products/
PennState. (n.d.). Cultural Synergy. Sites.psu.edu. https://sites.psu.edu/global/2014/11/16/cultural-synergy/