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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