In media studies, gatekeeping is best defined as

• A. The process by which editors decide which stories to publish
• B. A branding strategy
• C. A funding model
• D. A methodology for archiving material

Answer: (A)

Gatekeeping in media is about the decisions editors and other gatekeepers make about which stories get published or aired. This selection process determines what information reaches the public and in what form, shaping the audience’s understanding of events. It involves weighing stories against news values, editorial policies, audience interests, and practical limits like space and time. The other descriptions refer to different functions—branding is how a media organization positions itself, funding models are about financing, and archiving methods concern preserving material. So the best definition centers on who decides what content actually gets through to the audience.