Final answer:
Gatekeepers are responsible for deciding which messages the public is exposed to through the media, with editors being a key example of such a role. They filter and shape content, controlling the media narrative and influencing societal norms. The rise of new media has slightly diluted this traditional gatekeeping role.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person or group responsible for deciding which messages are broadcasted through the media and which are not are commonly referred to as gatekeepers. In the context of media, gatekeepers are responsible for the sorting process by which numerous potential messages are shaped into a format that is suitable for mass media and reduced to an amount that is manageable for consumption. This involves filtering and altering the presentation of news stories, which is a significant aspect of media's power.
Examples of gatekeepers in the media industry include editors, publishers, and producers. They play a critical role in assigning stories, approving content, and editing material for accuracy and clarity, essentially controlling the media narrative. As the media landscape evolves, new forms of media such as social networking sites offer a platform where the gatekeeping role is somewhat diminished, allowing more democratic information distribution. Nevertheless, traditional media still holds considerable influence over what topics are presented to the public and thus affect socialization and the shaping of societal norms.