[swiley]

I don’t think conspiracies have to be secret.

[blaser-waffle]

Yes, they do. Like, that's literally the definition of "conspiracy".

noun a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful. "a conspiracy to destroy the government"

[menybuvico]

Precisely! "Conspiracy" requires a secretive element, whereas the media conglomerates are quite open with their goals to make everyone consume more media in order for them to make more money.