Journalism Studies Commons^™

Journalism, Gatekeeping, And Interactivity, Neil Thurman

Neil Thurman

Gate-keeping is one of the most inclusive research traditions in the field of journalism studies. In its investigations into the processes “by which the vast array of potential news messages are winnowed, shaped, and prodded into these few that are actually transmitted by news media (Shoemaker et al., 2001: 233) it accommodates political and economic influences—as well as organizational routines and practices; the influence of the audience, outside sources, and technology; and journalists’ individual characteristics and collective professional values. However, changes in how technology and the audience—individually and collectively—are taking on journalistic gate-keeping functions; how established gate-keeping routines have changed …