Globalised online newsthe role of digital intermediaries in the media value chain

Abstract

This PhD dissertation is the result of four years of research, conferences, intellectual curiosity and several challenges. The aim of this document is to summarize the principal insights and discoveries regarding the role of digital intermediaries in the media value chain. Taking into consideration the state of the art of digital journalism, we maintain three different perspectives in form of three research questions. All of them try to offer a wide picture of the nature of the actors that have a role in the production of news. We argue that digital intermediaries are more than mere platforms or infomediaries. Thus, they need a definition and a taxonomy that helps to understand not only their relevance but their business models. Furthermore, we confirm that digital intermediaries sustain an important power over the dynamic relationships of the media industry, therefore having an impact on the modern concept of value in the news business.