The Role of Tweets in News Reporting

In today’s media landscape, the use of social media, especially Twitter, has changed how news is reported and consumed. This study looks at how tweets are embedded in online news articles, focusing on both Reliable and fringe news outlets. By examining these two types of media, we aim to understand the different ways they use tweets and the implications of these practices.

#Hybrid Media System

Modern media is described as hybrid, meaning traditional news and social media coexist and influence each other. This blending has allowed everyday citizens and activists to take part in journalism in ways that were not possible before. For example, during the Arab Spring and Black Lives Matter movements, social media gave people the power to share their messages and attract media attention. However, it is also argued that powerful individuals, especially political elites, have adapted to this hybrid environment and regained some control over information flow.

#The Role of Twitter

Twitter plays a crucial role in this media mix. It has become a significant platform for both sharing news and sourcing information. Some studies debate whether Twitter should be considered social media or part of the news media because many influential news organizations use it to disseminate information. This ongoing discussion highlights the fact that Twitter has blurred the lines between professional journalists and other information providers, altering traditional journalism practices.

#Aim of the Study

The main goal of this study is to better understand how tweets are utilized in news articles. While some research has been conducted on this topic, we believe it's essential to revisit it, especially concerning fringe media outlets that may not adhere to the same standards as reliable news organizations.

#What is Fringe Media?

Fringe media refers to sources that are often seen as alternative to mainstream news. These outlets typically publish what are called low-veracity reports, often characterized by extreme partisanship or conspiracy theories. While mainstream media can also present biased or framed information, fringe media often takes this to another level. These sources can attract significant audiences and have raised concerns because their content can lead to real-world harm, such as violence or misinformation. Despite the risks associated with fringe media, little research has focused on how they use embedded tweets in their articles.

#Research Questions

To address this gap, we posed four research questions:

1. What are the functions of tweets embedded in news articles?
2. How frequently are tweets embedded in news articles?
3. How do the functions and frequencies of embedded tweets change across different news topics?
4. How do the answers to the first three questions change based on the reliability of the news outlet?

#Methodology

To investigate these questions, we analyzed a dataset of online news articles featuring embedded tweets from a mix of reliable and fringe media outlets. We examined how often tweets were used and for what purposes. Our analysis was divided into two parts: assessing the frequency of embedded tweets and understanding their functions.

#Data Collection

We gathered a dataset that included articles from various sources. We categorized these sources based on their reliability, labeling them as reliable or fringe. We then collected all articles published over a specific period and noted which ones contained embedded tweets.

#Analyzing Functions of Tweets

We then analyzed how tweets were utilized in these articles. Using a coding process, we categorized the functions of embedded tweets based on their purpose in the article. We aimed to understand if tweets were used to show opinions, point to other news sources, or serve as the main story, among other functions.

#Frequency of Embedded Tweets

Our findings show that fringe media outlets embedded tweets far more often than reliable ones. For instance, 19.9% of fringe articles contained at least one tweet compared to only 2.26% of articles from reliable outlets. This signifies a substantial difference in how these two groups utilize Twitter.

#Comparisons Among Outlets

In the reliable category, some outlets stood out for their frequent use of tweets. For example, The Hill had a much higher rate of embedding tweets compared to other reliable sources. Conversely, some fringe outlets rarely used embedded tweets. This highlights varied practices even within each category.

#Functions of Embedded Tweets

Across both reliable and fringe media, we discovered that embedded tweets generally served similar functions. They were most often used to relay elite opinions or syndicate information from other sources. However, there were important differences in how these functions were applied.

#Elite Opinions

Embedded tweets were predominantly used to share opinions from influential individuals or organizations. Fringe outlets, in particular, relied heavily on embedding elite opinions, often presenting them as sources for their articles. This was common in articles that featured minimal text and focused heavily on the tweets themselves.

#Other Functions

In addition to relaying opinions, tweets were also used to cite other articles or serve as internal links to information that outlets had previously reported. This practice of “tweet syndication” allows both reliable and fringe media to reference one another in a way that fits the hybrid media landscape we see today.

#Impact of News Topics

The frequency and function of embedded tweets varied based on the news topic. Articles that dealt with clearly defined elite decision-makers or events had more embedded tweets. Political topics, big business news, and celebrity stories often featured more tweets compared to other subjects.

#Examples of Categories

For example, articles covering significant events like congressional votes or major scandals utilized tweets more frequently. On the other hand, topics without clear elite figures or central themes saw fewer tweets embedded.

#Who are the Elites?

Given the high volume of tweets from elite actors embedded in news articles, we sought to identify who these elites were. Our analysis showed that a large majority of embedded tweets came from politicians. In addition to politicians, tweets from celebrities and activists were also present, though to a lesser extent.

#Patterns in Reliable and Fringe Media

While both reliable and fringe outlets used embedded tweets to share elite opinions, fringe outlets did so more often. This aligns with the idea that these outlets are often more partisan and emphasize certain narratives.

#Concerns about Misrepresentation

One of the risks associated with the embedding of tweets, especially in fringe media, is the potential for misrepresentation. Tweets can be taken out of context or cherry-picked to support specific narratives. This could lead to an inaccurate portrayal of opinions or events.

#Conclusion

The study reveals significant differences between reliable and fringe news outlets in how they embed tweets in their articles. Fringe media use tweets more frequently and in ways that often frame narratives differently compared to reliable sources. While embedded tweets can serve important functions, such as connecting to elite opinions or providing citations, they also raise concerns about the representation and framing of information.

As social media continues to play a central role in journalism, understanding how it is used in different media types remains crucial. This study contributes to the ongoing conversation about the impact of social media on news, especially regarding the practices of fringe media that often challenge traditional journalistic standards.