What is a key aspect of gatekeeping in mass media?

Gatekeeping in mass media refers to the process through which information is filtered for dissemination. This involves selecting which information is deemed newsworthy or relevant, and consequently, deciding what reaches the public. By making decisions about which stories to highlight and which to exclude, gatekeepers play a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of events.

The key aspect of gatekeeping is that it directly influences what information is available to the audience. This choice can be based on various factors, including relevance, audience interest, and organizational policies, which underscores the power and responsibility of those who control media content. In contrast, while encouraging diverse perspectives, boosting advertising revenue, and fostering competition are all relevant to media operations, they are not core to the definition of gatekeeping itself. Instead, these elements can be influenced by the gatekeeping process but do not encapsulate its primary function.