Conclusion

The conclusion reviews the explorations and arguments of the book, summarising its critical synthesis of research in relation to seven themes: explaining news as the product of multiple spheres of influence; explaining news as a complex interplay between these multiple influences; explaining news as context dependent; explaining the role of technology; analysing influences on news in relation to democratic quality; tensions in news production; and changes in news production. Next, the chapter then points to the most pressing directions needed for future research including a more diverse and de-westernised understanding of national cultural contexts; a fuller understanding of the internal informal and formal organisational structures that distinguish news organisations, including organisational cultures; a better understanding of news audiences; and a better understanding of how individual journalists and their attributes and experiences (particularly gender and ethnicity) can shape news to increase diversity. The final section suggests ways to structure and approach future analyses of the factors that shape news.