Gatekeeping theory

Definition

Gatekeeping theory refers to the process through which information is filtered for dissemination, influencing what news gets reported and how it is presented to the public. This theory emphasizes the role of editors and journalists as gatekeepers who make editorial judgments about which stories are worthy of coverage based on various selection criteria, thus shaping public perception and opinion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gatekeeping theory illustrates how editors and journalists decide which news stories get covered and how they are framed, affecting public discourse.
2. The gatekeeping process can be influenced by various factors, including audience preferences, editorial policies, and the competitive landscape of the media environment.
3. With the rise of digital media, traditional gatekeeping has evolved, allowing more voices to contribute to the news landscape through blogs and social media platforms.
4. Gatekeeping can impact societal issues by highlighting certain topics while marginalizing others, leading to a skewed understanding of events and issues among the public.
5. Critics of gatekeeping argue that it can lead to a lack of diversity in news coverage, reinforcing dominant narratives while excluding marginalized perspectives.

Review Questions

• How do editors and journalists use gatekeeping theory in their decision-making processes when selecting news stories?
  • Editors and journalists utilize gatekeeping theory by applying editorial judgment to filter information before it reaches the audience. They assess factors like newsworthiness, relevance, and audience interest to decide which stories to cover. This filtering process not only determines what information gets published but also influences how it's presented, ultimately shaping public understanding of events.
• Discuss the implications of gatekeeping theory in the context of digital media's impact on traditional news dissemination.
  • Gatekeeping theory has evolved significantly with the advent of digital media, which has disrupted traditional practices. In digital platforms, the barriers that once existed for news dissemination have lowered, enabling more individuals to share information. This shift challenges conventional gatekeeping roles, as now audiences can directly access diverse viewpoints. However, this also leads to potential misinformation as unverified sources can gain prominence without traditional editorial oversight.
• Evaluate how gatekeeping theory might influence public perception of social issues like climate change or social justice movements.
  • Gatekeeping theory plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of social issues such as climate change or social justice movements. By deciding which stories receive coverage, media outlets can prioritize certain narratives over others, significantly impacting societal awareness and engagement. If major outlets focus on climate change from an economic or political angle while neglecting grassroots activism perspectives, it could lead to a limited understanding among the public. This selective reporting can mobilize support or incite apathy regarding critical issues based on how they are framed in the media.

Related terms

Editorial Judgment: The decision-making process that involves assessing news value and relevance to determine which stories are selected for publication or broadcast.

Newsworthiness: A set of criteria used by journalists to evaluate the significance and relevance of a story, including factors such as timeliness, impact, and human interest.

Media Bias: The perceived or actual bias of journalists and news organizations in their selection and presentation of news stories, often influencing public perception.