Refining the gatekeeping metaphor for local television news

Abstract

The gatekeeping process in local television news was examined by applying content analysis techniques to observational research in a network‐affiliate station's newsroom. Stories about government, accidents, and crime aired more often than other topics, although planned event stories aired less often than non‐event stories. Timeliness and significance were most closely associated with airing of stories. These analyses, however, accounted for only a small proportion of variance, suggesting that other elements were likely to be relevant. Process elements included group decision‐making, organizational constraints, and a broad interest‐importance framework. A new formulation of the gatekeeping metaphor was presented.