The research and development strategies newsrooms currently use vary, write Alexis Alizor and Talia Stroud. The newly published report focuses on challenges facing the journalism industry and it is based on 525 surveys conducted of editors and news directors working in different newsrooms.

The report lists several interesting findings. For example television and website-focused newsrooms are more likely to employ individuals to promote audience engagement than newspaper-focused organizations. Newspaper-focused newsrooms are also less likely to use research and development strategies than television and website-focused organizations.

The survey shows that the most important problems facing journalism are financial sustainability and a lack of credibility and quality. In any case, news media should cover important public matters even if it means sacrificing profits.

The report is part of The Engaging News Project that is housed at the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, part of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas. Read the full report here.

Picture: Exam by Alberto G., licence: CC BY 2.0