A model of functional rules for social media in the networked news sphere

Abstract

This study examines the assumption that news websites apply their specific institutional rules to incorporating the platforms of social media into news content. This study proposes the operation of three rules: functional platforms, functional individuality, and functional prominence. As functional platforms, Singapore's and South Korea's news websites embed Facebook and Twitter into news content, whereas China's news website provides local-based social media into the content. In terms of functional individuality, the news websites focus on such individual activities as reply and connect. For functional prominence, the news websites locate the entry point of social media predominantly at the middle of the screen. However, these specific rules vary with the nationality of each news website.

Keywords:

• social media
• networked news sphere
• news website
• individuality
• platforms
• prominence

Acknowledgment

This work was funded by the Sogang University Research Grant of 2011 [grant number 201110068.01].

Notes on contributor

Jeongsub Lim (PhD, University of Missouri) is an associate professor in the School of Communication at Sogang University in Seoul, Korea. His research areas include intermedia relationships in news-making processes, online journalism, and framing building and its effects on public opinion. His research appears in New Media & Society, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, International Journal of Public Opinion Research, Asian Journal of Communication, Journalism Studies, Journalism Practice, Public Relations Review, and elsewhere.