This thesis explores the transition of amateur footage across three different stages of the news making process. Through a case study of the 'Mardi Gras Police Brutality Video' this thesis tracks and analyses the development, reception and integration of amateur footage. Each stage is marked by a different media environment, firstly, as an eyewitness to the news event, secondly through its development in the online YouTube landscape and finally in its broadcast across TV news networks. In order analyse each of these media platforms a mixed-method approach has been adopted that utilises both qualitative content analysis and textual analysis. Whilst the thesis is situated in gatekeeping theory it also crosses into other areas of discussion integral to the understanding of the progression of this case study. This includes the concepts of gatewatching, eyewitnessing and participatory journalism. This thesis is an original contribution to the field of gatekeeping theory by focusing on a unique case study and addressing a new component of gatekeeping processes. What happens to amateur footage as it moves through the gates? This thesis argues that despite the proliferation of amateur footage and the multiplying of gates across multiple platforms, Australian TV news networks successfully retain their authority as gatekeepers through a process of normalisation. However, as this thesis will demonstrate, participatory journalists and active audiences in sites such as YouTube now have the power to influence and judge what enters through the gates
