https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884918792386 Journalism 1–20 © The Author(s) 2018 Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1177/1464884918792386 journals.sagepub.com/home/jou Do digital platforms really make a difference in content? Mapping journalistic role performance in Chilean print and online news Claudia Mellado Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile María Luisa Humanes Rey Juan Carlos University, Spain Andrés Scherman Universidad Diego Portales, Chile Auska Ovando Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile Abstract Previous research has largely explored the differences and similarities between print and digital media in terms of news cycles and specific content characteristics. However, fewer studies have addressed the extent to which the media platform accounts for differences in the performance of key journalistic roles. Based on a content analysis of 1519 stories from Chilean print and online news outlets, this study found that, while media affordances did have an influence on the way journalists performed their work, thematic beat and media audience orientation were more crucial to explaining differences in the presence of different roles across print and digital media. The findings support a position that is midway between the generalist and particularistic approaches regarding Corresponding author: Claudia Mellado, School of Journalism, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Av. Universidad #330, Campus Curauma, Valparaíso 3100000, Chile. Email: claudia.mellado@pucv.cl 792386JOU 0 0 10.1177/1464884918792386JournalismMellado et al. research-article 2018 Original Article