Gatekeeping and citizen journalism: The use of social media during the recent uprisings in Iran,Egypt,and Libya

Abstract

This critical study focuses on three major conflicts involving protests in the Middle East and North Africa. From a theoretical perspective, this research expands the study of gatekeeping by examining the characteristics of gatekeeping practices by citizen journalists. Overall findings suggest traditional ‘gatekeepers’ continue to maintain the status quo regarding news about conflict zones.

Keywords

Citizen journalism Egypt gatekeeping Iran Libya social media

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