Gatekeeping

Definition

Gatekeeping refers to the process through which information is filtered and selected for dissemination to the public. This concept plays a crucial role in determining which stories and issues receive attention, influencing public discourse and the overall agenda of media and communication. Gatekeepers, such as editors, journalists, and even algorithms, play a significant role in shaping how events are framed and prioritized in the public sphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gatekeeping can occur at multiple levels including individual journalists, editorial teams, and even broader institutional policies that shape news coverage.
2. The rise of digital media has transformed traditional gatekeeping roles, as social media platforms allow anyone to become a gatekeeper by sharing content.
3. Different media outlets may have varying gatekeeping criteria based on their target audience, leading to divergent coverage of the same event.
4. Gatekeeping impacts public perception by prioritizing certain issues while sidelining others, thus shaping societal narratives.
5. The concept of gatekeeping also extends beyond news media to include other forms of communication like blogs, podcasts, and even academic publishing.

Review Questions

• How does gatekeeping influence the framing of news stories?
  • Gatekeeping influences the framing of news stories by determining which information is highlighted and which is omitted. Editors and journalists decide not only what stories are covered but also how those stories are presented, including the language used and the context provided. This selection process affects audience perception and understanding, as stories that are emphasized may lead people to perceive them as more significant or urgent.
• Discuss the role of technology in changing traditional gatekeeping processes within media.
  • Technology has significantly changed traditional gatekeeping processes by democratizing content creation and dissemination. With social media platforms, individuals can bypass traditional gatekeepers like editors or journalists, allowing for a wider range of voices and perspectives. However, this shift also introduces challenges regarding misinformation and the quality of content since anyone can share information without the filtering process that traditional media employs.
• Evaluate the implications of gatekeeping on public policy and civic engagement in a democratic society.
  • Gatekeeping has profound implications for public policy and civic engagement in a democratic society. By controlling which issues are highlighted in media, gatekeepers can shape public discourse and influence what citizens prioritize in terms of civic action. If important issues are consistently sidelined or misframed, it can lead to a disengaged electorate that is uninformed about critical matters. Conversely, effective gatekeeping can empower communities by bringing pressing issues to light and fostering informed discussions that drive democratic participation.

Related terms

Agenda Setting: A theory that suggests media doesn’t tell people what to think, but rather what to think about by highlighting certain issues over others.

Framing: The way information is presented, influencing how audiences perceive and interpret that information by emphasizing specific aspects.

Media Bias: The perceived or actual partiality of journalists and news producers within the mass media, affecting the neutrality of the information presented.