Assessing News Diversity for Minority Audiences: Using Real Simple Syndication (RSS) to Evaluate Spanish-Language Media

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Journalism Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

The rapid growth of Hispanics in the United States, the parallel growth of Spanish-language media, and the difficulties that this population continues to experience places a renewed focus on research that addresses how well Spanish-language media are serving the information needs of this group. Democratic theories of the press posit that in order for a democracy to function properly, all groups need proper representation; however, it has often proven difficult for an industry undergoing rapid growth and increasing corporate concentration to serve audiences with diverse news and information needs. Researchers used software that gathers Real Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds to archive, organize, and analyze over 10,000 news stories posted to 28 Spanish-language news websites during October 2012. While results show some diversity in the range of topics covered, they also raise questions about the impact that consolidation within the industry has had on the duplication of content across news outlets.

Authors

• Moses A Shumow, Florida International University

• Maria Mercedes Vigon, Florida International U