The media do not themselves autonomously create news items; rather they are 'cued in' to specific news topics by regular and reliable institutional sources" (648). The media has a database on sources and contacts that they deem to be viable, and therefore use them to also derive stories, information, and facts from. However, Hall, et al. ask who are these sources. "This is what Becker has called the 'hierarchy of credibility' - the likelihood that those in power of high-status positions in society who offer opinions about controversial topics will have their definitions accepted, because such spokemen are understood to have access to more accurate or more specialised information on particular topics than the majority of the population" (649). Although the media gathers information from other sources they deem viable, they still use individuals who are associated with power and control. They say these are the primary definers. They let us have our first experience and interpretation with the story.