The organizational factor in newsmaking

Much of the literature surrounding television news has focused on output. This dissertation studies the dynamics of the newsroom organization and the decision-making process that ultimately defines the news product. Using qualitative observations over a two year period at two Oklahoma City television newsrooms and content analysis of news output, this study examines commonalities and distinctions between these two news organizations. The study concludes that the news organization has unique influence over the news product. Specifically the news organization determines the nature of newsworthiness according to organizational dictates.; This conclusion is supported by the data. The level of non-duplicated news stories across news organizations indicate a lack of universal news values. A comparison of news story type indicate an organizational signature in news philosophy. Qualitative analysis reveal different organizational patterns in news personnel and production.; Other trends are noted in the data as well. Evidence indicate that the primary organizational goal is the maximization of profits. It is speculated that news organizations are driven to produce a unique news product in order to be competitive in the marketplace. Additional evidence is produced that indicate overt pressure is placed on local news organizations in the process of news selection.; The modern news organization is geared to the maximization of profits. The de-regulation of media ownership and the proliferation of media competition has removed any insulation news departments may have once enjoyed under an oligopical market structure.; The sole qualitative standard of news is the number of people who watch the program. This is hardly a novel conclusion. However, what this dissertation does illustrate, are the organizational differences in how to reach this goal.