This thesis analyzed Indiana editors and reporters through Qmethodology in an effort to establish a typology of Indiana journalists pertaining to the future of the daily newspaper. Because of an apparent lack of abundant research relative to what journalists perceive as the future of the daily print medium, this study attempted to add an Indiana perspective to existing empirical literature dealing with the future of newspapers.Fifty-six editors and reporters from 28 of Indiana's 73 newspapers were selected as a purposive sample of the state's journalists. Statements representing perceptions about the future of newspapers were compiled in a 64-card structured Qsort and administered in person to all respondents. Respondents were asked to sort through the cards and rank the statements on an 11-point, Likert-like most-agree/most-disagree scale.Computer analysis of the Q-sorts produced five typal arrays which may be considered five typical categories into which Indiana journalists fall with regard to their perceptions aboutthe future of newspapers.Four of the five types showed strong correlation among themselves. Although none of the 12 consensus items proved significant, Indiana editors and reporters were found to have similar attitudes overall regarding several key statements.Findings of this study indicate the typical perceptions of Indiana journalists regarding the future of newspapers are centered around the belief that responsiveness to readers is a high priority. Data also indicated editors and reporters see technology and marketing to be keys to success for newspapers of the future. Other findings appear to suggest journalists believe local news and information relative to readers' daily lives will be important parts of future newspaper content. Making newspapers "user-friendly" was also a high priority for Indiana editors and reporters.Although one of the five types emerging in this study showed strong discontent in its perceptions of the public, the overall view of journalists in Indiana appears to be one of respect and confidence in readers of the future. There was also indication that editors and reporters were open to change in the newspaper industry and committed to a career in the daily print medium.Because of the projective nature of this study, Q-methodology was selected as an appropriate research instrument. It should be noted, however, that this method provides only typical attitudes that may not be generalized among populations other than the one particular to this study. / Department of Journalism
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/184109 |
| Date | January 1991 |
| Creators | Reed, Debi |
| Contributors | Ball State University. Dept. of Journalism., Popovich, Mark N. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | 3, iii, 85 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-us-in |
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