Survey for Journalists

[colmquinn]

Hello,

I am a journalism student doing a report on newspapers and I have  survey here I was hoping a few of you could fill out. It won't take long and you'd really be helping me out.

Thank you,

Colm Quinn

When responding just write, 'Q.1 Yes, Q.2 No' etc.

Q.1 Do you think newspapers can remain relevant?
   Yes   No

Q.2 Is there any way newspapers which are researched, wrote and printed the day before they come out can compete with the on the minute coverage of the internet and 24 hour news channels?
   Yes   No

Q. 3 Do you think newspapers would be better off focusing on news analysis and comment?
   Yes   No

Q.4. Do you think newspapers would be better off focusing on news reporting?
   Yes   No

Q. 5 Do you think not being as up to date affects the sales of newspapers when people can get a newer version of events online?
   Yes   No

Q.6  Even if online coverage may be of a lower standard?
   Yes   No

Q. 7 Do you think people care more about a) the right information and quality writing or b) more up to date but less well written and researched?
   A   B

Q. 8 Are newspapers obsolete?
   Yes   No

Q. 9 (Optional) Is there anyway news reporting in newspapers could be more up to date?
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Q.10. (Optional) Any other comments?

[lyte86]

Right, maybe this will help get the ball rolling...

1. No

However, this is a slightly awkwardly worded question - relevant to what?

2. Yes

3. No

4. Yes

5. Yes

6. Yes

7. B - more up to date but less well written and researched

8. No

9. Quite simply, newspapers need to rely less on agencies and PR - the sources of the majority of news - and instead pump their resources into getting exclusives.  By having stories that nobody else has, you're more 'up to date' than anyone.  That is, however, an expensive, labour-intensive business, and is more difficult than ever to fund thanks to plummeting advertising revenues and steadily declining circulation.  Various techniques could help reduce the cost, such as making it easier for new sources to come forward with anonymous online drop boxes, or regular 'surgeries' similar to those already hosted by Private Eye.  Greater, and more creative, use of freedom of information legislation is another possibility.  These sorts of things might help, but, at the end of the day, you need more reporters out there forging real, trusting relationships with people.  The challenge is finding a way to pay for them...