An investigation was made of the impact of the visual display terminal (VDT) on the "gatekeeping" function of the newspaper editorial staff, in which editors selectively evaluate stories for publication. The VDT is a computerized device that displays copy on a screen and provides for highly flexible alteration of copy. Six hours of field observation of copy editors on duty was conducted and extensive notes were kept on a minute-by-minute basis. Content analysis of editing changes of four selected wire stories was performed. The results of the study were as follows: the editing system did not substantially interfere with gatekeeping performed at the newspaper; very little actual gatekeeping was done using the VDT, as most evaluation of stories was done using paper copy; and the combination of several wire stories into one story, copy editing, and headline writing were the major tasks performed on the VDT. (Extensive observation notes are included.) (DF)