yes, they're all connected in a way, and if they are not
they are kept around for a reason, maybe as a supplier
/producer of a specific non-competing good they need or
to give the illusion of competition; remember, to them,
competition is a sin, period... only that no one told the
managers and workers of these companies, that's why
it looks/feels real and why a CEO (one of
them) usualy
makes anywhere from 30 to 200 times more than a
regular employee.
And
who are 'they'? well no conspiracy here or anything,
look it up
yourself, start at the top and follow the money.
A good place to start is with the media companies.
See what does GE, VIACOM, SONY, ETC own:
- tv/cable channels
- movie studios
- radio stations
- magazines
- music lables
- telecommunications
- real estate
- overseas tv networks and/or holdings
- what BANKS all the money runs through
and how these banks change name in every
region or country but are the SAME bank!
- where/how do these companies diversify into
other industries like sports franchises, food, heavy
industries, contractors, etc
do this and and you'll start to get the picture