Gatekeeper

=Introduction=

Gatekeepers are regulators who decide what will or will not appear in the media. Since the growth of mass media, gatekeepers have played essential roles in censoring improper media before becoming accessible to such masses. These people form the decision making process of media (particularly news) production. Although gatekeepers may be seen as editors of the media, they are commonly individual owners of the media channels and networks; providing a direct link to the raw media itself. In recent years, the growth of the internet has strongly implemented new strictness and awareness to on-line media. These channels are far more difficult to monitor due to shared access and real time information flows.

=Example of Gatekeeping=

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is a perfect example of a gatekeeper. The CRTC is responsible for overseeing both telecommunications and broadcasting in Canada and was "//established in 1968 by Canadian Parliament. The CRTC is an independent public authority constituted under the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.//"

=The Downfall of Gatekeeping=

The emergence of the internet, and internet blogging has effected the gatekeeping power of media firms. Deciding what appears in the media is no longer offered from very few sources. The public can get involved and offer its own opinions regarding world news, and it has been shown lately that certain blogs can become very popular with the internet audience. Additionally many reporters have tilted towards the use of blogs to post information that could have been disallowed by a newspaper for example.

=Works Cited=

"About The CRTC." __Canadian Radio-television and__. 22 Feb. 2006. Government of Canada. 27 Feb. 2006 .