Drawing insights from nearly a decade of mixed-method research Stephen R. Barnard analyzes
Twitter's role in the transformation of American journalism. As the work of media professionals
grows increasingly hybrid Twitter has become an essential space where information is shared
reporting methods tested and power contested. In addition to spelling opportunity for citizen
media activism the normalization of digital communication adds new channels of influence for
traditional thought leaders posing notable challenges for the future of journalism and
democracy. In his analyses of Twitter practices around newsworthy events-including the Boston
Marathon bombing protests in Ferguson Missouri and the election of Donald Trump-Barnard
brings together conceptual and theoretical lenses from multiple academic disciplines bridging
sociology journalism communication media studies science and technology studies and
political science.
