Despite the fact that only 1% of mainstream journalists rate information found on blogs as “credible”, research into the habits of journalists conducted by Columbia University shows that just over half of them used blogs for source material.
The survey of 1,202 journalists around the world also showed that 51% of journalists consult blogs for story ideas while 28% of them relied on blogs to provide them with day-to-day information. A related study done by Pew Internet and the American Life Project shows that only 11% of US residents read blogs on a regular basis.
“As blogs continue to gain in popularity, quality and influence, it is becoming imperative that journalists and journalism students continue to integrate blogs, especially blogs that cover technology, into their reporting practices,” said Steven S. Ross, associate professor at Columbia University and a partner in the study.
The study also shows that journalists are likely to put more weight on finding breaking news and following long-term stories by visiting and reading blogs. 68% of respondents agreed with the statement that “Blogs will become a more popular tool for corporations seeking to inform consumers.” A further 58% agreed, “blogs will remain an independent and unorthodox means of disseminating information.”
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