structure of the sentence

[Tvita]

Could you please explain to me the structure of the sentence below, particulary I am interested in "...were it not for the media's extensive reach into every society on the globe" part. Thank you in advance.

A popular figure such as Michael Jackson would never be so well known were it not for the media's extensive reach into every society on the globe.

 

[albertino]

Could you please explain to me the structure of the sentence below, particulary I am interested in "...were it not for the media's extensive reach into every society on the globe" part. Thank you in advance.

A popular figure such as Michael Jackson would never be so well known were it not for the media's extensive reach into every society on the globe.

A popular figure such as Michael Jackson would never be so well known if it was (were it) not for the media's extensive reach into every society on the globe.
(Not a teacher);-)

 

[Tvita]

A popular figure such as Michael Jackson would never be so well known if it was (were it) not for the media's extensive reach into every society on the globe.
(Not a teacher);-)

I also transformed the sentense like that, but in this case as well I am not sure that I completely understand the meaning.

I would say that it means : ...if the media didn't have so extensive reach into every society on the globe.

But structure like "it was (were it) not FOR the media's..." seems to me a little bit strange

 

[albertino]

I also transformed the sentense like that, but in this case as well I am not sure that I completely understand the meaning.

I would say that it means : ...if the media didn't have so extensive reach into every society on the globe.

But structure like "it was (were it) not FOR the media's..." seems to me a little bit strange

Were it not... = If it was not...
Longman's
"if it wasn't/weren't for somebody/something
also if it hadn't been for somebody/something
used to say who or what prevents or prevented something from happening.
For example, If it hadn't been for you, I should have drowned."

 

[Tvita]

Were it not... = If it was not...
Longman's
"if it wasn't/weren't for somebody/something
also if it hadn't been for somebody/something
used to say who or what prevents or prevented something from happening.
For example, If it hadn't been for you, I should have drowned."

In which Longman's textbook did you find it? (it is for future references)

 

[albertino]

In which Longman's textbook did you find it? (it is for future references)

Longman's Dictionary of Contemporary English.