> the amount of power currently held by tier 1 is meaningless.

It's happening right now with rich people and lobbies.

> It is only power so long as the 95% remain cooperative

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_consumption#Contemp... I rest my case.

This only works as long as people are happily glued to their TVs. Which means they have a non-leaking roof above their head and food in their belly. Just at a minimum. No amount of skillful media manipulation will make a starving, suffering 95% compliant.