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Dr. Michelle Ferrier is the principal investigator in this research project that examines the effects of layoffs and consolidation on the newspaper industry using GIS technologies and census data.
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Media DesertsFilling the need for fresh, local news and information
Dr. Michelle FerrierScripps College of Communication, Ohio University
• Associate Dean for Innovation | Associate ProfessorScripps College of Communication, Ohio University, OH; [email protected]; Twitter: @mediaghosts
• Founder, [email protected]; Twitter: @localize_nc
• For More Information on Media Entrepreneurship Vision:http://nabjdigital.wordpress.com/tag/dr-michelle-ferrier/
• www.newmediainnovators.com
• http://www.poynter.org/author/michellemichelleferrier-com/
EducatorEntrepreneurMentorScholarNew Media Innovator
Dr. Michelle Ferrier
Media Deserts Project
Using GIS tools, we map “media deserts” --places where fresh news and information is lacking.
Multi-method study using quantitative, qualitative and ethnographic research methods.
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
More than 120 newspapers have ceased operation in the United States since 2008. Our map will help monitor the system over time and focus attention and resources where they are most needed.
We’re using GIS tools to create a “climate” map that tracks changes in the reach and depth of community news.
We’re using open geographic information systems software to overlay existing daily and weekly newspaper circulation data, hyperlocal online news sites, demographic and community data.
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
What is a “Media Desert”?
Working Definition
A media desert is a geographic area that is lacking fresh news and information.
This condition may be as a result of a lack of content, access, language barriers and other issues.
Framework of Analysis I use Lawrence Lessig’s concept
of communications architecture:
CODE: Language, spoken or written or computer languages
CONTENT: News, information, images
CONDUIT: Newspapers, radio, mobile.
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
Mapping Newspaper Circulation
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
Newspaper Layoffs and Buyouts
Year
2007
2008
2009
2010
Layoffs and Buyouts
2,256+ (partial data)
15,992+
14,783+
2,828+
120+ newspapers
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Elon University, @mediaghosts
Overlapping service areas for 12 newspapers in NC. Three newspapers in our pilot did not have ABC data for multiple years.
Mapping Circulation Data
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
Average Annual Changein Circulation
-4% 0% 4%
Newspaper Circulation Change: 2007 to 2011
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
Results for Piedmont Triad Region
Contrary to our hypotheses, the outlying reach of the newspaper improved or held steady. In the core of Guilford County, we see erosion of the circulation, an area that was a more circulation-rich region for the newspaper. The newspaper lost the most subscribers right in their back yard.
We then analyzed the locales with the greatest change against education level and income levels using 2000 census data to determine if correlations exist.
Statistical analysis using Ordinary Least Squares Regression suggests a very weak positive relationship between Median Household Income and Change in Circulation (R2 = 0.16, p < 0.1). A $10,000 decrease in Median Household Income results in a %0.02 larger drop in Circulation.
Similarly, the data suggest a very weak positive relationshipbetween the % of people with At Least Some College and Change in Circulation (R2 = 0.12, p < 0.05). A 10% reduction in the number of people with some college results in a %0.08 larger drop in Circulation.
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
Hyperlocal Online News Sites
CJR.org created a database of hyperlocal online news sites.
Like Placeblogger.com, it is an attempt to identify who is creating content where.
Maps are still pinpoints as was the case with the newspaper changes.
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
I found the CJR Guide to Online News Startups provides state-level data in their searches, but no demographic reach data for its entries.
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
Hyperlocal Online News Layer
Quantitative Analysis We examine the geographic
footprint or reach of 132 online hyperlocal news sites.
We identify the zip codes covered from this data.
We collect demographics from census data and from site-specific demographics as available on gender, education, HHI, and ethnicity.
Qualitative Analysis We are collecting “home page”
screen grabs of each of the 132 sites for 14 days.
Our content analysis focuses on story coverage and on a visual analysis of the sites.
The resulting report will look at the representation of the community in the content of the site.
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
The student work is collected into a wiki, where we can map our geographic footprints and aggregate the content analysis for each hyperlocal online news site.
Hyperlocal Online News Layer
Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Ohio University, @mediaghosts
Associate ProfessorSchool of Communications, Elon University, NC; [email protected]; Twitter: @mediaghosts
Founder, [email protected]; Twitter: @localize_nc
For More Information on Media Entrepreneurship Vision:http://nabjdigital.wordpress.com/tag/dr-michelle-ferrier/
www.newmediainnovators.com
http://www.poynter.org/author/michellemichelleferrier-com/
EducatorEntrepreneurMentorScholarNew Media Innovator
Dr. Michelle Ferrier
