Solving journalism with data: Silicon Valley’s influence on the Fourth Estate

The historically ambiguous relationship between journalism and Big Tech can be traced back to the late 20th century, when news organizations started recognize potential of Internet as a distribution platform. While growing body literature is concerned with power asymmetries journalism, role place in shaping layered histories remains underexplored. This study uses framework place—conceptualized material geographic, setting for action lived experiences carrying legacies their past, site accumulating cultural meaning ( Usher, 2019 )—to examine how Silicon Valley Fourth Estate ideals converge. Empirically, analyzes job advertisements four US UK print-legacy outlets serving window into shifting expectations, skills, values that seek employees, reflecting broader trends journalism. Findings show draws on ideals, merging datasolutionism narratives audience access. Some are not only tech-oriented but frame themselves tech companies mission. both promote equal distribution, findings indicate reinforcement hegemonic structures industry. We conclude influence one consolidating through location, action, meaning, construct pivotal novel layer achieve long-standing ideals. analysis contributes our understanding historical context evolving nature Tech, highlighting significance dynamics these two increasingly intertwined industries.