Half of Reporters Use Blogs

Just wanted to post this interesting article:

SURVEY: HALF OF REPORTERS USE BLOGS.Jack O'Dwyer's Newsletter
Internet Edition
June 29, 2005
Page 3
By Jerry Walker

The findings of a media study conducted by Euro RSCG and Columbia University found blogs have become a large part of how journalists do their jobs.The study of 1,202 journalists found 51% of them use blogs regularly, and 28% rely on them to help in their day-to-day reporting duties.The survey found journalists mostly used blogs for finding story ideas (53%), researching and referencing facts (43%) and finding sources (36%). And 33% said they used blogs to uncover breaking news or scandals."

The fact that the media are using blogs for reporting and research...demonstrates that blogs have an enormous potential to not only influence the general public, but to influence the influencers - journalists and the media - as well," said Aaron Kwittken, CEO of Euro RSCG Magnet.Despite their reliance on blogs for reporting, only 1% of journalists found blogs credible, the study found.Aker: Website = CredibilityA website is one of the most important tools an organization can use to become a "reliable, credible and timely news source," according to The Aker Ptrs., a Washington, D.C.-based PR firm.The firm, which said one-third of reporters go to Google to find a website, advises companies to communicate up-to date messages and accomplishments on their websites because reporters are always looking for what's new.