Correct option is D
Gatekeepers are crucial in mass communication as they control the flow of information to the public. Gatekeepers, such as editors, producers, or media executives, decide which news, content, or messages reach the audience. They play a significant role in shaping public opinion by selecting, filtering, and prioritizing information.
Information Booster The concept of gatekeeping was introduced by Kurt Lewin and later applied to communication by David Manning White. In mass communication, gatekeepers perform several functions:
· Selection: Deciding which stories or messages to publish or broadcast.
· Editing: Modifying content to make it suitable for the audience.
· Framing: Presenting information in a way that influences public perception.
Gatekeepers are influential in media industries, such as newspapers, television, and social media platforms. Their decisions impact the dissemination of knowledge and the shaping of cultural and societal norms.
Additional Knowledge
· (a) Intrapersonal communication: Refers to communication within an individual (e.g., self-talk, decision-making), where gatekeepers are not applicable.
· (b) Small group communication: Involves interactions within a small group (e.g., a team or family). Gatekeepers are not typically present in this context, as information flows freely among participants.
· (c) Large group communication: Refers to communication in a relatively large audience (e.g., public speeches). While there may be mediators, gatekeeping is less prominent than in mass communication.