The Question of Newsworthiness: A Cross-Comparison Among Science Journalists' Selection Criteria in Argentina, France, and Germany. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rosen, Cecilia; Guenther, Lars; Froehlich, Klara
• Is Part Of: Science communication. Volume 38:Number 3(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 328
• Page End: 355
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: selection criteria -- science journalism -- gatekeeping -- news values; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Knowledge, Sociology of -- Periodicals; Communication in science -- Periodicals; Communication of technical information -- Periodicals; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Information scientifique -- Périodiques; Information technique -- Périodiques; Communication en sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Communication en médecine -- Périodiques; 300.14
• DOI: 10.1177/1075547016645585
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-5470

Abstract

Although science journalists' selection criteria have been investigated, there have not been systematic attempts yet to study how this varies across countries. Using gatekeeping theory, we analyzed and compared how three groups of journalists in Argentina, France, and Germany selected their news, and explored some motivations behind their decisions. Personal interests as well as a set of common news factors and sources are important for all journalists, while the journalists differ regarding professional role conceptions, the influence of their organizations, and perceived importance of audience perceptions. More research is needed to unravel science news selection criteria across different journalistic cultures.