The flow of digital news in a network of sources, authorities, and hubs

Matthew S. Weber, Peter Monge

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the flow of information in a network of online news sites. Social network theory and research on hyperlinked networks of Web pages are used to develop a model of information flow among Web sites. Kleinberg's authority-hub model is extended by introducing sources of information in the network. Significant support was found for a Source-Authority-Hub model, which shows the source, directionality, routing, and destination of news information flow through a network of authorities and hubs. This model demonstrates the ability of key Web sites to control the flow of news and information. Applications of the model to over-time data have the potential to predict future changes in the online news industry.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1062-1081
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Communication
Volume61
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2011
Externally publishedYes

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