Gatekeeping

Definition

Gatekeeping refers to the process through which information is filtered for dissemination, determining what news gets reported and what does not. This concept is crucial in journalism, as it shapes public perception and understanding of events by controlling the narrative. The role of gatekeeping has evolved with the rise of digital media, leading to discussions about the implications of citizen journalism and how it alters traditional media's control over information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gatekeeping is essential in deciding which stories are deemed important enough to be reported, shaping public discourse.
2. With the rise of citizen journalism, traditional gatekeeping roles are challenged, allowing more voices to contribute to news coverage.
3. Online platforms have shifted gatekeeping from traditional media outlets to users who can share information instantly, complicating how news is curated.
4. The decline of trust in mainstream media has led to a reevaluation of gatekeeping practices, as audiences turn to alternative sources for news.
5. Gatekeeping can lead to the exclusion of marginalized voices if they are not prioritized by those controlling the flow of information.

Review Questions

• How has the advent of digital media influenced traditional gatekeeping in journalism?
  • Digital media has dramatically influenced traditional gatekeeping by enabling anyone with an internet connection to report news. This shift allows citizen journalists to bypass conventional media channels, creating a more democratic but chaotic information landscape. As a result, established media outlets must compete with these new voices, which can lead to changes in how stories are selected and presented.
• Discuss the ethical implications of gatekeeping in relation to media bias and representation.
  • Gatekeeping raises ethical concerns regarding media bias and representation because it can perpetuate certain narratives while silencing others. If journalists or editors favor specific viewpoints or demographics in their selection process, it can skew public perception and reinforce stereotypes. The responsibility lies with those who act as gatekeepers to strive for a balanced representation of diverse voices, ensuring that all perspectives are considered in news coverage.
• Evaluate how citizen journalism challenges traditional notions of gatekeeping and impacts public trust in media.
  • Citizen journalism challenges traditional notions of gatekeeping by democratizing the flow of information and allowing individuals to report on events without editorial oversight. This can enhance public trust in certain contexts where mainstream media is perceived as biased or untrustworthy. However, it also raises concerns about misinformation and lack of accountability, complicating the relationship between audiences and media outlets. Ultimately, this evolution necessitates a rethinking of gatekeeping practices to ensure responsible dissemination of news.

Related terms

Citizen Journalism:

The reporting of news events by members of the public, often using social media or other online platforms, which challenges traditional media's role as the primary source of information.

Media Bias: The perceived or real bias of journalists and news producers within the mass media, often influencing which stories are selected for coverage.

Newsworthiness: The criteria that determine how much significance is given to a story, affecting its likelihood of being reported and disseminated.