Principal Investigator: Mary Jackson Pitts

Title: Broadcast News Stations: How are they using their web sites?

Statement of Purpose:

The purpose of this research is to determine the content, functionality and promotional value of broadcast news web sites.

Research Questions:

A content analysis of broadcast news web sites will be conducted to answer several research questions.

1) What content is found on broadcast news web sites?

2) What type of navigational system do the web sites use?

3) How are stations using their web sites to promote the news production?

Methodology: A content of analysis of Broadcast Station web sites will be conducted during the Spring of 2000. The analysis of 100 web sites will examine the types of content news departments and how the material promotes broadcast news programming. The random sample will be selected from a collection of web sites listed under the United States Information Agency.

Schedule: January 2000 Library work

February 2000 Coding instrument and sample selection will occur

March 2000 Coder training and coding begins

April 2000 Tabulate results

The second page of your proposal should include the 20 references.    Here are examples of what your references might look like.

Consulted References

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    Chyi, H. I., Sylvie, G. (1998). Competing with whom? where? and how? a structural analysis of the electronic newspaper market. Journal of Media Economics, 11 , 1-18.

    Creed, A. (1998). Arbitron to measure net radio audiences. Newsbytes News Network , http://www.newsbytes.com .

    Garrison, B. (1997). Online services, Internet in 1995 newsrooms. Newspaper Research Journal, 18 , 79-93.

    Hansel, S. (1998, July 20). Broadcast.com faces risks after strong initial offering. The New York Times . p. D2.

    Higgins, J. M. (1998). TCI music trying to find its groove. Broadcasting & Cable, 128 , 80-82.

    Ferguson, D. A. (2000, March 31). Program promotion on the Internet. A paper presented at the Southern States Communication Association annual convention in New Orleans, LA.

    Ferguson, D.A., Eastman, S.T., & Klein, R.A.(1999). Marketing the media: Scope and goals. In S.T. Eastman, D.A. Ferguson, & R.A. Klein (Eds.), Promotion & marketing for broadcasting & cable, 3^rd ed. (pp.1-28). Boston, MA: Focal Press

    Rogers, E.M. (1962). Diffusion of Innovation. New York: Free Press.

    Smethers, S. (1998). Cyberspace in the curricula: new legal and ethical issues. Journalism & Mass Communications Educator, 52 , 15-23.

    Tedesco, R. (1998). Rhythm, blues, and audio streams. Broadcasting & Cable, 128, 61-62.

    Tedesco, R. (1997). Intel sees chip sales in online music. Broadcasting & Cable, 127 , 77-78.