ABSTRACT
The rise of social media and rapid changes in technology have irrevocably changed the way news is reported and consumed. This introductory chapter argues that journalists must use social media to find sources, reach their target audience, generate story ideas, stay on top of current events, and promote themselves and their work. An overview of how social networks and search engines have become part of the Gatekeepers of news and information in the 21st century is provided, along with a preview of the chapters that follow. The chapter also provides an explanation of how the book can be used by instructors and students.
