Experimenting with interaction: TV news efforts to invite audiences into the broadcast and their effects on gatekeeping

Abstract

This article examines the concept of interactive and participatory journalism in news through the lens of gatekeeping theory. It aims to shine a light on newsrooms that have been early adapters in the trends and technologies of interactive content between journalists and their audiences. It explores what the managers and employees of those newsrooms believe has been successful, what has not been successful, and what other journalists can learn from their experiences. It also examines how these efforts have affected the process of gatekeeping in these newsrooms. The researcher employed in-depth interviews with 12 employees in three newsrooms in the United States. The interviewees included general managers, news directors, anchors, and digital producers. The research identified three major themes that contributed to the success of exploratory interactive efforts: newsroom culture, a focus on the audience, and finding balance between attracting those who want interactivity without alienating those who don’t.