Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on Advanced Research in Social Sciences and Humanities
Year: 2026
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Content Diversity in Media Systems: A Comparison of Linear Tv and Streaming Platforms
Prof. (FH) Dr. Peter Schneckenleitner
ABSTRACT:
This study examines how the gatekeeper effect operates differently on streaming services compared with linear television and how these differences affect discovery of new content and awareness of thematic diversity. Drawing on literature about algorithmic personalization, gatekeeping, and media diversity, the study asks whether algorithmic recommender systems narrow exposure to novel topics relative to the serendipitous exposure produced by linear programming. A quantitative survey was conducted among users who consume both streaming services and linear TV. Participants reported viewing habits and perceptions of discovery, diversity, and algorithmic influence. Key measures included self-reported weekly incidence of encountering previously unknown content, a perceived diversity rating (1–5 scale), awareness of algorithmic curation, and the perceived impact of recommendations on long-term media behavior. Results indicate significant differences between platforms. Sixty-two percent of linear TV viewers reported encountering new content at least once per week, compared with 35% of streaming users. It was particularly noticeable that older respondents were more likely to discover such content via linear television, while younger people apparently made less use of this feature. Perceived content diversity averaged 4.1 for linear TV viewers (rating 1-5 with 5 maximum satisfaction) and 3.2 for streaming users. Forty-five percent of respondents were aware that streaming playlists are algorithmically curated, and 39% reported that recommender systems have strongly influenced their long-term media consumption patterns. A majority (58%) expressed interest in features that introduce less-filtered or randomly curated alternatives on streaming platforms. Discussion situates these findings within debates on filter bubbles, editorial gatekeeping, and the public interest role of broadcast media.
Streaming algorithms enhance efficiency and satisfaction but tend to prioritize engagement over exposure diversity, potentially fostering homogeneity and reducing incidental discovery. Linear television, through editorial programming and channel surfing, appears to preserve serendipity and broader thematic exposure. The paper concludes that hybrid design approaches, algorithmic transparency, regulatory interventions, and media literacy initiatives could mitigate the narrowing effects of recommender systems while preserving personalization benefits. These findings have implications for platform design, public policy and educational programs aimed at promoting exposure diversity and democratic deliberation; designers and regulators should therefore collaborate to balance personalization with mechanisms that encourage serendipitous and pluralistic content exposure.
Keywords: Gatekeeper, Content diversity, linear TV, Streaming