Abstract

Within the theoretical framework of sociology of news, the article presents the results of a research on online news production. Between January and July 2010, 20 professionals working in online journalism were interviewed (these included ten journalists in an online newsroom of a media company which also produced a paper-based newspaper; five journalists in newsrooms that produced only online content; and five managers with responsibility for publishing company websites). The analysis is focused on the news production linked to the multiple levels of interactions with readers. It is argued that the forms of implicit participation - not driven by motivation - are quite influential on the newsmaking process. At the same time, the research suggests that online journalists are more capable of being accountable to their readers.