Gatekeeping Theory

Gatekeeping Theory examines how information is filtered and controlled before it reaches the public. In the context of news and media, "gatekeepers," such as editors and journalists, decide what stories are published and how they are presented. This means not all information is equally accessible; prioritization and biases can influence what people know or believe. The theory highlights the role of these decision-makers in shaping public perception and understanding by selecting and framing content, ultimately affecting societal knowledge and awareness.