Coding Competencies across Roles: Computer Programming Practices in News Media Organizations.

Computer programming, or what is commonly known as coding, is an emerging skill supporting the development of digital products in news media organizations. Through the application of practice theory—a hybrid approach that includes elements of field theory, actor–network theory and structuration theory—we examine the ways in which coding competencies are practiced within and across different roles, for different purposes. This exploratory study uses online interviews with 19 news product managers and leaders–or those who are tasked with the management, development, testing, and launching of digital news products–offering unique insight on coding practices across functions. Results highlight the usage, value and nuances of coding skills, providing insight into the activities, materiality, and reflexivity of computer programming as it emerges across roles in a news organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]