The people who used to determine what news was fit to print or play are called gatekeepers. Gatekeepers are individuals within news organizations-such as editors, news directors, and other personnel-who filter and select which news stories and information are presented to the public. They decide what content passes through the "gate" to be published or broadcast, shaping the public’s knowledge and perception of events

. Gatekeeping is a well-established communication theory introduced by social psychologist Kurt Lewin in 1943. It describes the process of filtering information for dissemination in mass media and other communication channels. Gatekeepers use various criteria, including newsworthiness, organizational policies, audience preferences, and economic considerations, to determine what news is fit to be printed or aired

. In summary, gatekeepers play a central role in controlling and shaping the news by deciding what information is suitable for public consumption.