Modelling Contemporary Gatekeeping

Abstract

Gatekeeping theory struggles to describe the rise of algorithms and users as information selectors in digital spaces. Algorithms and users may co-exist as decision-makers and reach high visibility through decentralised gatekeeping mechanisms. Classic gatekeeping theory is no longer adequate in describing contemporary news selection processes online and recent gatekeeping approaches at theorybuilding are isolated and have not been synthesised in a coherent gatekeeping theory. This theoretical paper addresses this issue and develops a digital gatekeeping model in three steps. First, four gatekeeper archetypes are identified that differ in access, selection criteria and publication choices. Second, gatekeeping frequently involves platforms on which gatekeepers operate. These platforms either apply gatekeeping mechanisms controlled by a central authority or rely on collaborations between many microlevel interactions to publish news. Third, a digital gatekeeping model is derived to model the four gatekeeper archetypes and their selection processes in relation to platforms employing collaborative gatekeeping mechanisms. This proposed digital gatekeeping model extends previous research on gatekeeping by synthesising classic gatekeeping theory with contemporary approaches and by providing a framework for future research on information control and dissemination.

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Competition, Change, and Coordination and Collaboration: Tracing News Executives’ Perceptions About Participation in Media Innovation

“…This ongoing shift in news consumption from proprietary to non-proprietary platforms has resulted in a dislocation of news journalism, partly decoupling news items from their original publishers (Ekström and Westlund 2019). Scholars have also questioned what influence news media have over gatekeeping, considering that platforms, algorithms, and users have gained enhanced significance (Wallace 2018). While digital intermediaries offer their platforms for anyone who want to publish, they also often declare that they are not to be held accountable for the content itself Gillespie 2018, including misinformation and so-called "fake news" (Tandoc, Lim, and Ling 2018), junk content fueled by revenues coming from the ad-tech industry, where fake bot traffic plays a significant role (Braun and Eklund 2019).…”

Der talentierte Briefeschreiber Robert K. Merton als einflussreicher Gate-Opener: Eine Analyse von 1460 Empfehlungsschreiben

“…In the latter case an individual or group is "in power" for making the decision between "in" or "out." (Lewin 1947: 145) Scholars after Lewin have modified and adapted gatekeeping theory and its terminology to various social contexts (Shoemaker & Riccio 2016;Wallace 2018); the core assumptions, however, have remained the same. At the theory's core are decision-making processes (in organizations).…”