Gatekeeping in TV News Production: Analyzing the Factors Influencing the News Production process in Pakistan

Abstract

This study attempts to explore the factors that influence the news production process of TV news channels of Pakistan. Mix method approach was applied including both qualitative and quantitative methods. In-depth interviews and surveys of media workers including news producer, copywriter, assignment editor, reporter, and cameraman were conducted to get the information about the news production process and factors influencing it. Gatekeeping theory provided theoretical implications to the study. Thematic analysis of interviews identified four influencing factors: organizational policies, hectic media routines, gender discrimination and extra organizational factors. The results indicated that these factors were influencing the content of news production considerably. Factor analysis was also carried out to find out factors influencing news production. The findings revealed that the nature of the job also affects the news production process along with hectic media routines of workers, gender and organizational policies.