An overwhelming majority of reporters and editors now depend on social media for their story research, a new survey of journalists has found. Among the journalists surveyed by Cision, a media analysis firm, and George Washington University’s Program in Strategic Public Relations: 89 percent said they use blogs for story research, 65 percent use social media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.), and 52 percent use microblogging services like Twitter. Surprisingly, only 61 percent use Wikipedia (or perhaps more accurately: admit to using Wikipedia).
Which makes online sources of information and story-connection much more popular than their human kinda-counterparts. According to the survey,
most journalists turn to public relations professionals for assistance in their primary research. Editors and reporters surveyed said they depend on PR professionals for “interviews and access to sources and experts” (44%), “answers to questions and targeted information” (23%), and “perspective, information in context, and background information” (17%).
I'm surprised there are still 11 percent who would rule out the use of blogs for story research. I thought those days were over:
http://tentrentingonmars.blogspot.com/2010/01/only-89-percent.html
#1 Posted by Ian, CJR on Mon 25 Jan 2010 at 08:40 PM
The source of the survey is not exactly impartial as they sell services that monitor social media (full disclosure: as does my company, Dow Jones.) I think professional journalists are certainly more aware of social media than in the recent past and do keep an eye on it, but the headline here saying "depend" on social media is perhaps an overstatement and more than what even the survey says which seems to be "use". Journos also likely use it in varying degrees depending on what they report on.
#2 Posted by Glenn Fannick, CJR on Wed 27 Jan 2010 at 09:43 AM
I think the number will change positively.
#3 Posted by Mark Clayson, CJR on Fri 29 Jan 2010 at 02:46 AM