How newspapers’ social media editors in Bangladesh use official social media accounts

Abstract

This research explores the changes the traditional gatekeeping roles of Bangladesh social media editors have undergone. The 17 interviewed journalists also enjoyed less autonomy in moderating audience comments as they removed comments critical of the government or the ruling party to avert legal consequences. These editors even considered their jobs to be “marketing” of news, suffered volatile treatment from their colleagues in the newsroom and felt pressured by their bosses, advertisers and audiences.